{"id":3279,"date":"2024-07-02T20:20:26","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T20:20:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalcommunities.org\/2024\/07\/02\/women-founded-cooperative-leads-solar-energy-innovation-in-kenya\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T10:14:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:14:15","slug":"women-founded-cooperative-leads-solar-energy-innovation-in-kenya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalcommunities.org\/blog\/women-founded-cooperative-leads-solar-energy-innovation-in-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"Women-Founded Cooperative Leads Solar Energy Innovation in Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Maryangela Amendola <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One phone call changed Jacinta\u2019s future. In 2015, a college friend told her about a renewable solar energy training program provided by Arizona University and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She left her career as an engineer and aviation teacher in Mombasa County, Kenya, to pursue the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacinta and the five women in her class completed the solar training program in 2016. Upon graduation, they recognized the challenges of working in a male-dominated field. Rather than get discouraged, they decided to stick together and form a cooperative.<\/p>\n\n\n

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WISEe member displaying PV system.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In 2017, the group formalized the Women in Sustainable Energy & Entrepreneurship (WISEe) worker cooperative. WISEe provides members with solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation and entrepreneurship training. Additionally, they learn about saving and credit groups and receive assistance from the county cooperative office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WISEe\u2019s first project was to install solar energy boxes in schools. We Share Solar, an American non-governmental organization, provided Jacinta and her colleagues with solar panels. The cooperative installed solar products in 10 schools not scheduled to be connected to the national power grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Through the partnership with Global Communities, WISEe has seen a tremendous growth in our business structures and how we conduct services.<\/p>\nJacinta, WISEe member<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Wanting to provide members with additional benefits and services, WISEe engaged with Global Communities\u2019 Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and Research (CLEAR) Program, funded through USAID\u2019s Cooperative Development Program. <\/a>\u00a0The objective of establishing a CLEAR membership was to strengthen the business acumen and performance of\u00a0cooperative businesses\u00a0while integrating and empowering youth and women within\u00a0the cooperative\u2019s structure. WISEe members received training on cooperative development including capacity building, financial management, governance and marketing. WISEe is working to update its strategic business plan with support from Global Communities to benefit the cooperative\u2019s expanding membership. As part of this initiative, WISEe has started a successful intervention with digital marketing and bulk messaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WISEe members pose with solar panels they are trained to install.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since 2017, WISEe has grown from its 10 founding members to over 50 and has two employees. WISEe serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Their commitment to sustainability, community empowerment and innovative business practices has positioned them as a leader in the cooperative sector. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on continuous improvement, WISEe is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and society, paving the way for a brighter future for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the impact of the WISEe Worker Cooperative and its partnership with Global Communities in the video below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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