Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
To expand energy access to serve more last-mile, rural, and off-grid communities in Kenya, there is a need to understand the social impact of fast-growing social enterprise in the field, explore the potential for scaling, and identify areas for improvement in a successful social entrepreneurship endeavor. To do so, this study examines Deevabits’ Green Energy’s business as an exemplar of social entrepreneurship enabling community-driven solutions that empower local communities. The Deevabits business model enables it to bring sustainable energy solutions to more than 150,000 people and has economically empowered more than 450 women sales agents (Village Social Entrepreneurs (VSEs)) since 2016.
This study exploits an original mixed-methods approach. Regarding quantitative data, 283 customers were surveyed by phone to collect data on purchase motivation, product use, and changes in quality of life. Additionally, 14 semi-structured interviews with customers and VSEs were conducted in Eastern Kenya to map out the social impact of Deevabits’ business model on women empowerment and the quality of customer’s lives, as well as to examine changes in predictors of long-term health outcomes. VSE interview questions were designed following the Social Determinants of Health Model (SDOH). Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded. Improvement was found in all aspects of VSE’s SDOH and some aspects of those of customers. Findings show that 95 percent of customers reported positive changes in quality of life, particularly in the form of improved information access via radio, increased study time for children, and extended working hours that contributed to an increase in income.
The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of social entrepreneurship to effectively combat the issue of inequitable energy access in rural Kenya, improve social determinants of health, and empower women. Future studies should focus on developing solutions for challenges identified in this study and assessing the feasibility and impact of implementation.
Recommended Citation
Xiang, Wanyu, "Energy Access for All: Solar Empowerment with Deevabits Green Energy in Rural Kenya" (2024). Miller Center Fellowship. 175.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/gsbf/175