Obama's grandmother joins the Solar Generation

Grandmother Mama Sarah was stoked with her new home makeover.

“I am very pleased that my home has been improved thanks to solar energy and I'll make sure my grandson hears about it,” Mama Sarah said.

“Solar power is clean, reliable and affordable, unlike paraffin that is widely used in the area. Also, we now have qualified youth in the village who can help with the upkeep of the systems.”

The solar installations are part of a 20-day renewable energy workshop hosted by Greenpeace's Solar Generation with 25 participants from the Kibera Community Youth Programme (1) and community members of Nyang’oma Kogelo.

Kenya, like many other countries in Africa, is on the climate impacts frontline. It has seen a drastic reduction in rainfall in recent years. Drought has worsened problems in agriculture caused by poor land use and desertification, making Kenya’s large-scale hydropower unreliable.

Faced with these challenges, investing in solar energy technologies is a win-win strategy. It strengthens the economy and protects the environment, while ensuring a reliable and clean energy supply.

Robert Kheyi, project coordinator for the Kibera Community Youth Programme, said that the workshop and practical installation of solar power are a critical opportunity to develop local skills in renewable energy installation.

“Not only do we get to act against the devastating effects of climate change in Kenya, but also develop a source of revenue.”

Greenpeace is calling for rich countries like the United States and Australia to contribute US$140 billion annually to support climate adaptation, mitigation and forest protection in the developing world. With just 15 weeks left to go till the decisive UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Greenpeace is urging world leaders, including PM Kevin Rudd and President Obama, to translate their climate rhetoric into action in Copenhagen.