Village-level solar power in Africa: Accelerating access to electricity services through a socio-technical design in Kenya

Village-level solar power supply represents a promising potential for access to electricity services.Increased knowledge is needed for the development of solutions that work for the users and are viable inthe long run. This article analyzes a solar power model developed and tested through action research incollaboration between a community in Kenya and a team of social scientists and technical experts. Theanalysis includes the reasons for its socio-technical design, and the actual functioning of the model. Theresearch shows that an energy center model can cover basic electricity needs in areas with dispersed set-tlement patterns, where mini-grid based systems as well as conventional grid extension meet significantchallenges. Such areas are representative for large geographical areas in Africa. We show that portablelanterns and low prices may enhance access to suitable services. Committed follow-up of the local actors,and a flexible socio-technical design – allowing for improvements after implementation – contributeto economic sustainability and smooth functioning. Close attention to the socio-cultural context and thechallenges of users, operators and managers is required. Our research draws on theories of socio-technicalchange and users’ innovation, and presents a five-step analytical framework for analysis of village-levelpower provision.