Solar PV as a Catalyst for PURE

I am a growth specialist with a focus on off-grid and cross-grid energy, as well as e-mobility, in Sub-Saharan Africa. Passionate about advancing energy justice, I have successfully led market expansions, forged strategic partnerships, and developed impactful solutions to tackle pressing challenges-not limited to the energy sector. With a deep understanding of the region's socio-economic and regulatory landscapes, I strive to unlock market opportunities while delivering sustainable, positive outcomes for underserved communities. My approach is rooted in practical experience, actionable market insights, and a steadfast commitment to driving meaningful change.

David Njugi is an Executive Committee/Board Member at the Kenya Renewable Energy Association. He is also the Chair of the PowerUp Kenya campaign whose aim is to mobilise investments in the renewable energy sector. David is also the Productive Use Specialist within the Energy Access pillar at the World Resources Institute, WRI Africa.

Cynthia Muhati is an Operational Excellence Specialist, a renewable energy enthusiast and a passionate advocate of sustainability, a founding member of Solinc East Africa, with a wealth of experience in shaping policy and regulatory environment and promoting Off-grid solar. My professional journey spans over 15 years in both corporate and social enterprise sectors, with expertise in sector performance management, business processes, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing efficiency, sustainability, profitability, and cost reduction. I serve on the Boards of The Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA), the Electronic Producer Responsibility Organization of Kenya (EPROK), and the SHELogistics and Transport Association (SLTA). I hold a Barchelor's Degree in Business Management, am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supplies (CIPS) UK and Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) Kenya, and an experienced Enterprise Risk Manager.

I am a registered Energy Engineer with EBK, an effective Projects Coordinator and Business Development Manager with a passion to propagate the use of clean and sustainable energy through audit, engineering, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance of solar power and other renewable energy systems. I hold Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Production Engineering (Moi University) and recently completed my Master of Science in sustainable Energy transitions -MSSET (Strathmore University). I have twelve years of experience in energy sector with a focus on development, construction, and service of off-grid, grid connected and Energy storage systems in eastern Africa with the remarkable achievement of over 70MWP solar power plant installations. My current interests involve innovative finance backed solar power energy investments in Eastern Africa from commercial and industrial, Battery energy storage systems and public road and street lighting for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy access and deployment in the region. I am currently the Managing Director at Sentimental Energy Company.

On the Surface Sammy Waite is an accomplished Renewable Energy Specialist with over 20 years of experience in this field. His experience has seen many projects achieve Energy sustainability and cost savings. Sammy has an Engineering background that has been crowned with several Business and Managerial skills. He is currently the Head of Design & Engineering at Chloride Exide, previously he was the Technical Manager and Sales Engineers in the same organization. He has been in the forefront in design and implementation of various energy solutions from power backup systems, home PV systems, off-grid systems, PV-Diesel generator Hybrid system, industrial Grid-tie solutions as well as solar thermal systems. He is an experienced resource when it comes to renewable energy solutions.

Mr. Suhail Awan is the Strategic Partnership Advisor of UNHCR Kenya. With over 27 years of experience in leadership roles across Africa, MENA, and South Asia, he leads UNHCR's strategic partnerships with the Government, Multilateral Development Banks, International Development Partners, Private Sector, Academia, and UN agencies to ensure the sustainable socioeconomic inclusion of the forcibly displaced population and ensure international protection. Previously, Suhail served as an Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chief Technical Advisor with UNDP, Country Managing Director of Global Communities, and Chief Executive of a major foundation operating in the US, Canada, and Pakistan. He has also served on the boards of various non-profit organisations and universities. Suhail is a recipient of the Social Service Award from the President of Pakistan. He holds a Master's degree in Political Science, an MBA in Finance, and is a graduate of the Social Enterprise Management Programme from LUMS and McGill in Canada. He is also an alumnus of the Senior Leadership Executive Programme at Oxford Said Business School.