Eustace Chipfunde

A Kenyan social entrepreneur who revolutionized rural electrification through solar energy initiatives

Biography

Eustace Chipfunde (born 1975) is a visionary Kenyan engineer and founder of Sunlight Kenya, a nonprofit organization that has electrified over 150,000 homes in remote regions using innovative solar solutions. His work has transformed access to energy in areas where less than 5% of households had electricity before 2000.

Key Innovations

• Developed the Solar Microgrid in a Box system allowing communities to install scalable solar grids independently
• Pioneered pay-as-you-go solar financing models accessible to low-income families
• Created training programs that have certified over 3,000 local technicians

Impact

Chipfunde's work has directly contributed to:

• Reduction of kerosene use by 80% in target regions
• 200+ new businesses launched powered by solar energy
• Improvements in education through evening lighting for students