Kenya’s KCB, Sentimental Energy Power Schools

Key Figures & Findings: KCB Bank, one of Kenya’s largest banks, has teamed up with Nairobi-based Sentimental Energy to finance solar installations for learning institutions across Kenya, aiming to reduce grid dependency and energy costs. KCB is offering collateral-free green loans under its sustainable finance initiative, while Sentimental Energy, known for deploying solar tech across East Africa, will manage full project execution. The program already covers nine schools and is positioned for national scale-up. Eric Naivasha, Head of Sustainable Finance at KCB, emphasized the scheme’s potential to drive a shift toward affordable, off-grid power solutions. Paul Simiyu, Managing Director at Sentimental Energy, added that the project responds to rising outages and cost surges in the national electricity supply.

Statistics & Insights: Public schools can access up to USD 154,000 and private schools up to USD 77,000 in green financing over a seven-year tenure at a 9.75% annual interest rate. Solar and bioenergy lead Kenya’s captive power capacity at 229.2 MW and 161.8 MW, respectively. Solar is projected to grow 28% annually from 2025 to 2027.

Future Implications: If fully implemented by 2026, this program could help hundreds of institutions transition to cleaner power while reducing operational costs and enhancing learning environments.

Source: Business Daily Africa