By building the technical capacity of women in the solar PV industry-particularly in system design, installation and training, women are carving a niche for themselves. They are setting the pace for providing high-quality compliant systems and services and earning good incomes from this work.

Women ultimately serve as examples to other young women interested in developing careers in solar PV installation and training  

In this week’s episode of the Africa Water and Energy Podcast, we were joined by Tameezan wa Gathui to unpack the gender gap in Kenya’s renewable energy industry and how it can be bridged. Some of the highlights from the episode include:

* The market potential or women to participate in Solar PV in Kenya* How WISEe helps to bridge this gender gap* What organisations can do to embrace gender inclusivity* What initiatives women can take to get into the Solar PV sector* The existing challenges and remediation to promote gender inclusivity

The market potential for women to contribute to Kenya’s Solar PV

Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is responsible for certifying individuals and companies that take part in sales, design, installation and maintenance of Solar PV systems in the country. Less than 5% of solar PV technicians registered by EPRA are women. As of November 2019, there is a total of 354 licensed technicians, 327 being male and 27 being female. 

You can find the latest list from the EPRA website

Where women can contribute in the Solar PV Industry

With the country having the highest solar PV installation per capita in the region, there exists massive potential for growth. Current and planned mega installations include 55MW in Garissa, 40MW in Rumuruti, 40MW by Eldosol, 40MW by Radiant, 10MW by Kenyatta University, 52MW in Malindi and 50MW in Kopere. 

The contribution of women in this industry can be anywhere from sales, design, supervision, installation or administration. Currently, not many women are involved in hands-on work including installation and user training.

How WISEe is helping to bridge the gender gap

Women have an equal shot at setting up successful businesses that exploit one or more sections of the PV value chain. Not only can they grow their business acumen, but they can also provide employment opportunities to both men and other women. 

At WISEe the membership comprises women with a technical background in electrical installation, engineering or are employed in the renewable energy industry or are already renewable energy entrepreneurs looking to improve their technical skills.  Women looking to set up their solar PV businesses or want to become trainers in their own right ar also welcome to join. 

The membership program starts after a selection from the applicants. The successful applicants undergo a 1-2 week training with a balance of theoretical and field activities. After the training, these women work on actual installations under the supervision of experienced WISEe installers. This set of training activities is what they can use to fulfill some of the requirements by EPRA in getting their practicing certificate. 

With that training, women can have the chance to train and supervise others. They may also choose to set up their own solar PV businesses. 

How organisations can foster gender inclusivity