Sun-Powered Fishing: Lake Victoria’s Solar Revolution
“By using solar energy, we maximize profits and supply customers beyond Kenya’s borders,” Mukauta
Fisheries officials from the Homa Bay County Government visit the Murongo Women’s Group cage fish farm. Notably, solar lanterns are installed on the buoy to enhance monitoring and security/Photos by Grace Nekesa
By Grace Nekesa
A Life Dedicated to Fishing
Bernard Ongata, 43, is a local fisherman on Takawiri Island, Lake Victoria. He also serves as the chairman of the Takawiri Beach Management Unit, a cooperative group overseeing fishing activities on this major landing site—one of the busiest on Kenya’s side of the lake.
Having spent a quarter of his life in the fishing trade, Ongata shares his typical day—starting at 8:00 AM, preparing his fishing gear, and sailing into the Nam Lolwe waters (Lake Victoria’s local name) before sunset. He spends the night at sea, catching fresh tilapia and Nile perch. His haul varies between 50 kg and 300 kg, a figure influenced by the island’s rich breeding grounds and favorable water currents.
Bringing the Catch to Shore
In the early morning hours, Ongata and his fellow fishermen dock at the 1 km Takawiri landing site. Their fresh catch is immediately stored in cold freezers, awaiting transportation to the mainland, where demand remains consistently high.
Since fish is highly perishable, proper storage is critical. However, with no access to the national power grid, the community has turned to solar energy for preservation.
Solar-Powered Cold Storage
The Takawiri fisherfolk rely on solar-powered freezers to store their fish.
“With the deep freezers, we can store fish for up to four days while sourcing for a profitable market,” Ongata explains.
Despite rapid electrification in other parts of Kenya, Takawiri remains dependent on off-grid solar power due to the high cost of extending the national grid. Recognizing the community’s reliance on fishing, the Kenya Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has installed a solar-powered cold storage facility, producing ice flakes to preserve fish stocks and reduce spoilage.
Impact on the Local Community
According to Josiah Airo, a community mobilizer for the project, the facility increased fish storage capacity, minimized post-harvest losses, and boosted incomes.
“This project is meant to uplift the local community, improve income, and create business opportunities beyond fishing,” he says.
His sentiments are echoed by Benter Apidi, a fish trader who now enjoys reliable storage.
“My business is flourishing. I can preserve fish longer, reduce wastage, and increase my revenue within the fish distribution chain,” she acknowledges.
Women Empowerment in Solar-Powered Aquaculture
On Mfangano Island, the Murongo Women’s Group, led by Rose Mukauta, has embraced solar technology for cage fish farming. The island, home to the Abasuba people, hosts this 30-member group, investing in sustainable fishing.
Each cage holds 400,000 fingerlings, and solar-powered lights aid feeding, growth tracking, and harvest planning. At night, solar lanterns illuminate the waters, while a solar-powered buoy system protects the fish from predators.
“Solar power provides us with a sustainable and efficient way to produce fish, especially in off-grid areas,” Mukauta explains.
Her colleague, Mercy Okech, highlights how solar-powered aquaculture has economically empowered women and eliminated exploitative ‘sex-for-fish’ practices.
“We have trained women in entrepreneurship and financial literacy, enabling them to view aquaculture as a business,” Okech states.
With each season yielding five tons of fish, their solar-powered freezers ensure freshness until transportation to major markets.
“By using solar energy, we maximize profits and supply customers beyond Kenya’s borders,” Mukauta adds.
Solar-Powered Drying Warehouses in Kisumu
Beyond cold storage, solar energy is transforming the drying of omena (silver cyprinid) at Dunga Beach, Kisumu.
Margaret Awuor, an omena vendor, praises the solar-powered drying warehouses, which have replaced traditional open-sun drying.
“This technology improves omena quality in texture, flavor, and hygiene, ensuring we can dry fish even during the rainy season,” she explains.
Nicholas Ouma, Secretary-General of Dunga Beach BMU, emphasizes the facility’s role in reducing post-harvest losses and adding value to omena.
“There’s growing demand for this drying facility, demonstrating its effectiveness in meeting new market opportunities,” Ouma affirms.
Sentec Limited: Expanding Solar Energy Solutions
Sentec Limited, a solar energy company, has been pioneering low-cost energy solutions in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Its Managing Director, Paul Simiyu Mabonga, a dedicated energy engineer, has championed solar power adoption since 2012. His passion for sustainable energy stems from childhood experiences in Kimilili, where electricity was a rare luxury.
Mabonga highlights the transformative impact of solar power on fishing communities.
“Fishermen can now preserve their catch longer, reduce spoilage by over 60%, and negotiate better market prices,” he says.
Beyond fishing, solar-powered irrigation is helping small-scale farmers grow crops year-round, ensuring food security and additional income sources.
However, challenges remain, including:
- High costs of solar panels, batteries, and storage units
- Lack of awareness and misconceptions about solar energy
- Limited government incentives, subsidies, and tax breaks for solar projects
“Kenya has immense potential in renewable energy. Expanding market access will boost foreign exchange earnings and drive sustainable growth,” Mabonga concludes.
The Role of Research and Policy in Renewable Energy Growth
According to Collins Ongore, lead scientist at the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Kisumu, renewable energy is revolutionizing small-scale fishing.
“For years, the sector struggled with post-harvest losses due to poor preservation. These new innovations are driving much-needed change,” he explains.
He emphasizes that solar technologies are environmentally friendly, eliminate fossil fuel reliance, and reduce carbon footprints in fish preservation.
His research team provides technical support, conducting awareness forums on sustainable freshwater aquaculture technologies.
With Kenya’s Energy Act No. 12 of 2019, renewable energy sources are now recognized as a priority sector. Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) shows that Kenya has a solar energy potential of 15,000 MW, yet only 100 MW is currently installed, with Garissa Solar Plant (55 MW) as the largest facility.
This highlights the urgent need for more investment in solar energy solutions for off-grid communities.
Conclusion
From Takawiri to Mfangano and Kisumu, solar energy is transforming fishing livelihoods. With more investment, awareness, and government support, solar-powered solutions could drive Kenya’s fisheries industry toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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