Kakuma- September 24, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

The Market-Based Energy Access (MBEA) program, which has since 2017 expanded access to clean energy solutions through affordable market-based approaches in Turkana, held their final stakeholder meeting and exhibition in Kakuma as they marked their exit.

The initiative implemented by the County Government in collaboration with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation with funding from GiZ targeted both host and refugee populations in Kakuma town and Kalobeyei Settlement.

This hybrid event featuring exhibitions and presentations brought together county government, development partners, innovators, consumers, and entrepreneurs to chart the way forward on sustaining clean energy access for underserved communities.

Director for Energy, Eng. Jackson Lojore lauded the program’s contribution to the county government’s energy agenda.

“The approach used was in line with the provisions of the County Energy Bill. The uptake of clean energy solutions can only grow if technologies are made available. The MBEA program did exactly that through a private-sector-led market-based model,” he said.

Lojore added that the lessons learned will be integrated into Turkana’s broader push to expand energy access.

SNV Branch Manager, Shadrack Kiprono, highlighted the program’s impact, noting that data collected from the onset of the program in 2017 showed a steady increase in the number of households adopting clean energy.

“The approach brought together entrepreneurs and innovators. While innovators developed the technologies, entrepreneurs ensured they reached the target population through accessible financial models. They provided the crucial link between production and the market,” he explained.

The closing exhibition showcased innovations in solar energy, improved cook stoves, and other household-level clean energy solutions that were scaled during the project.