Kenya is the world’s biggest market for off-grid solar devices. More than 1.76 million lighting and energy products were sold by GOGLA affiliates in 2021. Kenya’s off-grid solar market growth has been underpinned by the country’s political stability, economic growth, ease of doing business, consumer awareness campaigns, and a supportive policy environment for the off-grid sector. Market growth has also been enabled by the widespread use of mobile money, which has played a key role in facilitating the pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) business model.

The Government of Kenya recognizes that, in addition to the grid, off-grid solar solutions such as stand-alone solutions and mini grids must play a key role in achieving universal energy access. The Kenya National Electrification Strategy (KNES) thus envisions 1.96 million connections through standalone solar home systems (SHS) to serve businesses and communities in rural or remote parts of the country.