More than 2,000 residents in Kisumu and Nairobi counties have received a lifeline through a new solar energy project by BLUETTI and UN-Habitat under the Lighting an African Family (LAAF) initiative.

The partnership stems from engagement at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo last year, where BLUETTI and UN-Habitat signed a Technology Transfer MOU to accelerate solar adoption across the continent.

In May 2025, BLUETTI deepened its commitment to localised energy initiatives under LAAF, a program founded in 2021 to illuminate off-grid communities with accessible and sustainable solar energy.

Speaking during the 2025 Devolution Conference, Kalen Guo, Director of BLUETTI Middle East and Africa Region, revealed the company’s plans in promotion of green energy, noting that solar energy can strengthen community resilience and support community-led social housing development.

“Building social houses is more than creating shelters. With clean energy, we create homes filled with warmth and heart. BLUETTI is proud to be part of this mission,” said Kalen Guo, Director of BLUETTI Middle East and Africa Region.

He noted that the first rollout of solar energy, held from August 18 to 22 in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, and the Ex-Grogon and Mathare areas in Nairobi County, is also part of UN-Habitat’s Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA), integrated into its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.

“The solar solutions provide reliable energy while contributing to environmental goals, with an estimated offset of 337.5 tons of carbon emissions over the next five years,” he stated.

UN-Habitat National Programme Officer Jeremiah Ougo highlighted the broader scope of the initiative.

“With housing and infrastructure projects being implemented in parallel, we are identifying the households that will benefit from the housing activity,” he noted.

Ismael Bakari Billal, a resident of Muhoroni and a beneficiary, explained how the project will revolutionize the lives of locals.

“As a family, we have been struggling for a long time, but from today, even if it rains and the electricity goes out, the solar lights will help us. My children will read at night without difficulty, God bless the county, BLUETTI, and UN-Habitat,” he noted.

This was echoed by Eunice Awino, a 38-year-old mother of five, who couldn’t hide her joy.

“I’m pleased to get these solar lights. They will help my children read at night and improve their education. I thank the county, BLUETTI, and UN-Habitat, may God continue blessing them,” she said.