Story

Background
Kalanga village in Kitui County, Kenya, is situated in a semi-arid region characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. This harsh climate has led to persistent droughts, causing severe food shortages. The local population has become increasingly dependent on government aid to meet their basic needs. Additionally, the lack of accessible water forces women and girls to walk long distances to find water, consuming valuable time that could be used for productive activities. The water they collect is often contaminated, leading to health issues.

Current Initiative
In an effort to address these challenges, we have successfully implemented the following initiatives:

Solar Energy Infrastructure: We have purchased 12 solar panels to harness the abundant solar energy available in the region.
Water Source Development: A well has been dug, ensuring a reliable water source for the community.
Irrigation System: We have installed drip irrigation pipes that cover one acre of land, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Water Pumping: A submersible pump has been acquired to facilitate water extraction from the well.
These efforts have begun to make a difference in the community, but the solar-powered system currently operates only between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, which limits its effectiveness, especially on cloudy days.

The Challenge
To maximize the potential of our solar energy system and ensure a consistent water supply for both irrigation and domestic use, we need to store solar energy for use during non-sunny hours. This will enhance the sustainability, reliability, and efficiency of our water pumping operations, particularly in the face of climate change.

The Solution: Energy Storage Enhancement
To address this challenge, we propose raising funds to purchase two 15kW 300Ah 48V lithium batteries and a compatible inverter. These components will allow us to store solar energy and extend our water pumping operations beyond daylight hours, ensuring a consistent water supply for the community.

Batteries: Two 15kW 300Ah 48V lithium batteries at a total cost of KSH 837,040/- (approximately £6,489 or $8,682 USD).
Inverter: A Growatt SPF 12000TL HVM inverter at a cost of KSH 283,000/- (approximately $2,193 USD).
Total Funding Needed
We aim to raise a total of KSH 1,120,040/- (approximately $8,682 USD) to procure these essential components.

Impact
With this investment, we will:

Ensure Reliable Water Supply: Provide a consistent water supply for irrigation and domestic use, improving food security and reducing dependency on government aid.
Empower Women and Girls: Free up time for women and girls currently spent on water collection, allowing them to engage in education and other productive activities.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Enhance agricultural productivity through reliable irrigation, contributing to economic growth in the village.
Strengthen Climate Resilience: Build the community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change by ensuring a stable and sustainable water source.

Conclusion
This proposal seeks to build on our current successes by ensuring that Kalanga village can fully harness the power of solar energy. By investing in energy storage solutions, we will create a sustainable, efficient, and reliable water supply system that can transform the lives of the people in this semi-arid region.

Call to Action: We invite you to be part of this transformative journey by contributing to our fundraising goal. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Kalanga Village, ensuring food security and empowering the community for generations to come.

Contact
Contact: Boniface W M
Watsapp: +254724782714
Email: [email protected]