Background

Access to electricity is critical for health care services, which need it for lighting, vaccine storage, water provision, communication, laboratory operations, sterilization of medical equipment, and operation of critical appliances such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators. A midwife needs light to illuminate her work while guiding childbirth, while enabling nurses and clinicians to correctly diagnose and respond to emergency conditions. Altogether, at least one billion people globally are served by health facilities that lack reliable access to electricity. Without reliable electricity in all health-care facilities, universal health coverage cannot be reached.

Yet WHO estimates that 15% of medical facilities in sub-Saharan Africa lack connection to power, and only 40% of the connected ones receive a reliable supply. In Kenya, 26% of the country’s medical facilities lack a power connection and only 15% of the grid-connected ones receive uninterrupted electricity. There is a sharp urban–rural divide: urban health-care facilities often report more access to any electricity and more reliable electricity access than rural facilities in the same country.

The primary goal of the powering health project is to enhance healthcare service delivery in the none rural health facilities by providing sustainable electricity solutions. The specific objectives included:.

Our Implementation Approach

The Powering Health project IS implemented using a structured, stepwise approach. This method allows for customization based on facility-specific energy needs and promoted long-term sustainability.

Step 1: Needs Assessment and Energy Audit

Comprehensive needs’ analysis is conducted at each targeted rural health facility. This includes an inventory of all critical medical and non-medical equipment and the corresponding energy requirements for daily operations. The audit provides a clear estimate of the average “daily load” – the total amount of power needed under normal working conditions – which forms the foundation for the system design.

Step 2: System Design and Load Sizing

Based on the needs assessment, a customized solar energy system is designed for each facility. These designs factors in both the current average energy consumption and potential future expansions. The typical configuration includes a 5kW hybrid inverter capable of handling up to 5000 Watts, 545W solar modules installation on roof or ground-mounted structures, and three 5kW lithium batteries to ensure reliability and adequate storage. The system is designed to power critical services such as vaccine refrigeration, lighting for maternity and outpatient areas, and communication tools.

Step 3: Procurement and Installation

Procurement of the solar systems is carried out through a competitive bidding process, ensuring transparency and the selection of the most appropriate technology. Installation is completed by pre-qualified local engineering firms who are responsible for transportation, setup, and system commissioning.

Step 4: Sustainability and Capacity Building

To promote sustainability, the project places strong emphasis on training and local ownership. Health facility in-charges and system operators receive hands-on training in system operation, basic troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. Additionally, maintenance schedules and manuals are issued to the facilities, while the in charges are sensitized on advocacy for budget allocations and partnership building with local private service providers. These measures are conducted to lay a strong foundation for long-term reliability and system functionality.

Our Achievements

The powering health project has so far successfully reached nine rural health facilities across Narok West and Transmara West Sub-Counties. The facilities include Endoinyo Narasha Health Centre, Ositeti Health Centre, Losho Dispensary, and Ole Tuta Health Centre in Narok West; as well as Shankoe Health Centre, Naarolong Health Centre, Olongoloro Dispensary, Osinoni Health Centre, and Sikawa Dispensary in Transmara West.