Narok Project Now Model of Energy Sustainability - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Some of the businesses that have come up as a result of the mini grid at Olderkesi.*

In the outskirts of Narok town lies a burgeoning town center that is embracing sustainable energy solutions, transforming the local economy, and setting a model for future green initiatives.

Situated approximately 120 kilometers from Narok town and 15 kilometers from the Tanzanian border, Olderkesi has evolved from a modest collection of two shops into a vibrant business hub, thanks to the Olderkesi mini-grid. This project, part of the SEED initiative launched in 2021, has been pivotal in providing affordable power to the community.

The mini-grid has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Olderkesi, with particular benefits for the local school. By supplying clean and affordable energy, it has empowered local businesses, spurred economic growth, and promoted sustainability in the region.

*Prof. Juliane Winkelmann(right), and Prof. Frank-Martin Belz (second left) interact with one of the locals who have benefitted from the project.*

As part of the annual TUM (Technical University of Munich) symposium on sustainable energy, Prof. Juliane Winkelmann, Senior Vice President for International Alliances and Alumni at TUM, and Prof. Frank-Martin Belz, Director of the TUM-SEED Center and Prof. Willy Muturi of JKUAT, visited the Olderkesi mini-grid to assess its impact.

The visit provided an opportunity to interact directly with the community, gather valuable feedback, and witness the progress and improvements brought about by the mini-grid since its installation.

It revealed significant strides made in enhancing local livelihoods and underscored the importance of continued investment in sustainable energy solutions. As Olderkesi continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of clean energy and a model for future projects aiming to drive sustainable development and economic growth.

*Prof. Willy Muturi is gifted a maasai shuka by one of the local leaders looking on is Mr. Denis Koech of JKUAT.*

Prof. Winkelmann and Prof. Belz expressed admiration for the progress made and assured the local community of commitment to continue supporting the initiative. The visiting team emphasized that the success of the Olderkesi mini-grid is not just a milestone for the community but also a source of inspiration for other regions looking to implement sustainable energy solutions.

The feedback and observations from the visit will play a crucial role in shaping future projects and refining strategies to maximize impact.

As Olderkesi moves forward, the continued collaboration between local stakeholders, international partners, and organizations like JKUAT, TUM and DAAD will be essential in sustaining and expanding these advancements.