Report on the Financial Barriers to the Uptake of Solar Powered Borehole Pumps Within Rural Kenyan Communities

This study assessed the financial barriers to the uptake of solar powered borehole pumps within communities in rural Kenya in order to provide recommendations to assist with the Kenya Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (KIWASH) Project Outputs 2 and 51.

Prior to conducting primary research, background literature was consulted to justify the need for the study and to provide context to the area of investigation (see Annex A). Discussions with six organisations were held which included suppliers (Davis and Shirtliff & Grundfos), a finance provider (Sidian Bank), consultants (African Solar Designs & EED Advisory) and Winrock which is part of the USAID funded Kenya Smallholder Solar Irrigation Project. In addition, 6 community projects were visited, 3 in the Western Counties of Siaya and Kisumu, one in central Kiambu and two in the Eastern County of Makueni.