Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Solar Sister is a social enterprise operating in Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya that aims to eradicate energy poverty through the economic empowerment of women. Solar Sister has had great success establishing sales networks of women in last-mile communities and has recently expanded its business model to include urban communities. For over x years, Solar Sister has advanced women’s economic power with training and employment opportunities focused on the sales and distribution of solar powered devices. More recently, Solar Sister has piloted a new training program geared toward expanding the business within an untapped age demographic. The new “Apprenticeship Program” (AP) supports men and women in urban Kenya aged 18-35 seeking jobs in the clean energy sector and has been piloted in Kenya for the past two years. Apprentices receive business training and support from SS’s more seasoned Business Development Associates (BDAs) and are connected to SS’s clean energy product pipeline as they become essential clean energy distributors. The research study in this report draws on a variety of data sources, including recorded interviews with BDAs and Solar Sister employees, focus groups with Apprentices, and feedback from written worksheets to gauge the effectiveness of Solar Sister’s Apprenticeship Program. A total of 9 Apprentices and SSEs were interviewed, 9 individuals completed surveys, and 15 participated in focus groups. The findings highlight the program’s success in building confidence, financial literacy, and self-reliance among participants—many of whom expressed feeling empowered to set goals, manage money, and act as role models in their communities. However, challenges such as high transportation costs, limited access to branded materials, difficulty gathering end-user data, and schedule challenges hinder program effectiveness. To address these issues, we recommend that Solar Sister consider investing in high-visibility gear such as branded reflector vests, shifting toward more hands-on and flexible field-based training models, and partnering with microloan providers to reduce financial stress on participants. These adjustments would not only improve retention and daily operations for Apprentices but also strengthen Solar Sister’s long-term impact in advancing clean energy access and economic opportunity across urban Kenya.
Recommended Citation
Pierson, Elizabeth and Vodzak, Morgan, "Solar Sister Apprenticeship Program Evaluation" (2024). Miller Center Fellowship. 173.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/gsbf/173