KISUMU, Kenya, September-As electricity prices continue to soar and economic pressures tighten across the country, thousands of Kenyan households are embracing alternative energy sources to power their homes, cook, and meet it’s other demands.
From solar to LPG and energy-saving stoves, which are more affordable, many are shifting to the off-grid solar power technology as one of the most reliable solutions to meet their daily energy needs.
Today, for many families, electricity is no longer the primary power source. Instead, it’s become a backup — used only when necessary.
This shift is largely driven by the rising cost of electricity, frequent outages, and the increasing availability of cost-effective off-grid energy options.
Janet Atieno, a resident of Kisumu’s Nyalenda estate, is one of many Kenyans making this switch.
“I mainly use electricity to light the house and charge phones, but for cooking and hot water, I use gas or charcoal. It’s much cheaper,” she says.
Her sentiments are echoed by Evelyn Achieng in Kisumu.
“Electricity bills were draining my income. Now, I use solar lanterns and cook with gas. I only switch on electricity when necessary — mostly in the evening,” she explains.
In rural areas, where grid connections are limited or unreliable, the transition is even more pronounced.
Solar energy has emerged as a lifeline, thanks to affordable payment plans and growing distribution networks.
Jacob Omollo, a boda boda rider in Siaya County, recently installed a small solar system in his home.
“I bought a solar kit for about Sh5,000 and now I have light every night without paying anything more. I only use electricity when I visit the shopping centre,” he says.
But Omollo isn’t alone.
The same story was shared by Winnie Otieno and Raymond Okello from Homabay and Agnes Adhiambo from Migori, who have embraced an off-grid alternative.
This widespread shift toward alternative energy is not just anecdotal. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in 2024 showed a 12 per cent drop in electricity use among low-income households, while solar product uptake rose by over 20 per cent.
More families are opting for energy solutions that are not only cost-effective but also more predictable in terms of monthly expenses.
Recognising this trend, Sun King — Kenya’s leading off-grid solar solutions provider — is stepping up efforts to expand access to clean, affordable energy, especially in underserved regions.
This week, Sun King marked a significant milestone by opening its first customer experience centre in Kisumu.
The new facility, located at Mega Plaza Mall on Oginga Odinga Road, aims to deepen access to solar energy solutions for households and businesses across western Kenya.
Sun King’s Vice President for EasyBuy Direct Sales in East and Southern Africa, Victor Agandi, said: “Opening our Kisumu experience centre is another step in our mission to bring affordable, reliable solar power to every Kenyan household and business.”
“This centre will give our customers a place to explore our full range of products, receive hands-on support, and find the right energy solutions for their daily lives,” Agandi explained.
Sun King’s product portfolio includes a variety of solar-powered systems tailored for different needs and budgets:
The Kisumu centre is the second of its kind in Kenya and complements Sun King’s broader network of 163 retail outlets nationwide.
“It offers in-person product demonstrations, expert guidance, and faster after-sales service — all of which are crucial for building trust and driving adoption, especially in new markets,” Agandi said, saying they are out to help provide alternative cheap sources of power targeting low-income families.
Jerome Ochieng, the Kisumu County CECM for Energy, applauded the initiative and emphasised its alignment with the county’s clean energy agenda.
“We’ve already installed solar floodlights in our markets and introduced solar systems in public facilities like Obwolo Dispensary in Mamboleo. We welcome partnerships with companies like Sun King to drive forward Kisumu’s transition to renewable energy,” Ochieng disclosed.
Ochieng also highlighted the county’s commitment to streamlining licensing and improving the business environment for energy innovators working in rural electrification and sustainable energy delivery.
As Kenya strives toward universal energy access, the ground reality is clear: alternative energy is no longer just a supplement — it’s becoming the mainstay.
Households are choosing hybrid energy models that blend solar, gas, and improved biomass solutions, with electricity taking a backseat.
This shift not only helps families manage their energy costs better but also reduces pressure on the national grid and advances the country’s clean energy goals.
Sun King’s new centre in Kisumu is more than just a retail outlet — it’s a symbol of how the private sector is responding to real household needs, bringing power closer to the people, one solar panel at a time.
