Infrastructure for Electricity? Non-existent
There is nothing more satisfying than working side by poor masai communities in Africa installing life changing solar power systems
In Kajiado County less than 40% of the population have access to mains electricity. 95% of the access is limited to urban areas. Installing the infrastructure to expand the reach of mains electricity is an expensive exercise and therefore not a realistic goal in the medium or long term for rural Kajiado.
Therefore for the unforeseen future an alternative source of electricity that is affordable and sustainable is the only option. Solar Power is the answer.
Kenya is one of the most expensive countries on average per kilowatt/. The following table is a cross section of developed and developing country electricity cost per kw/h for an average household.
| Country | US cents per kw/h average | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 8 |
| 2 | China | 8 |
| 3 | Indonesia | 8.75 |
| 4 | USA | 13 |
| 5 | South Africa | 16 |
| 6 | UK | 18 |
| 7 | New Zealand | 21 |
| 8 | Kenya | 30 |
| 9 | Australia | 30.8 |
| 10 | Germany | 36 |
Considering the average income, even of the Kenyan middle class, and the average income in equally expensive countries the actual power price in percentage of income is about 5 times as high in Kenya. For example a Kenyan middle class income household earns approximately US$11,600 per annum while the average equivalent household in the developed world earns approximately US$56,000.
Adding to those costs is the purchase and maintenance costs of a backup generator as in general all East African power grids are so unstable that it is sheer impossible to run an average household or business without it.
For more information email solar@africaexpeditionsupport.com
