By Roselinder Achieng Maima, Communications and Impact Manager, Solar Sister, Kenya
In one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, Jacky is turning clean energy into opportunity.
In the busy streets of Kawangware, a low-income neighborhood about 15 kilometers west of Nairobi’s city center, you’ll likely meet 22-year-old Jackline Kange’u.
Kawangware is one of Africa’s largest informal settlements, marked by crowded housing and limited infrastructure. It’s also a place where clean cookstoves are urgently needed, with many households relying on smoky, traditional fuels for daily cooking. Jacky, as many call her, is the definition of a woman with big dreams, with no plans of stopping. Her determination matches her energy.
“I have big dreams. Sometimes they scare me, but I know I can, I will.
“I have three projects in mind. My journey will be an inspiration to many of my Generation Z peers. Many people perceive my generation not to be that of entrepreneurs, but I will prove this theory wrong.”
Jacky grew up in Embu County, about 130 km northeast of Nairobi. After finishing school with little chance of attending college, she relied on her parents for even basic needs. Determined to change her future, she boarded a bus to Nairobi armed only with hope.
She stayed with a friend for a few days and picked up temporary jobs, which gave her the confidence to keep going. When her sister told her about Solar Sister’s Apprenticeship Program in Kawangware, Jacky decided to give it a try. The three-month program offers youth an opportunity to learn entrepreneurship skills, gain on-field sales and marketing skills, and provide them with access to clean energy products. Graduates often become Solar Sister Entrepreneurs, launch their businesses, or find new opportunities with their skills.
Today, Jacky is already making progress on her dreams.
“So far, I can rent a small house for myself and no longer rely on my parents for pocket money. I am saving towards starting a poultry farm. I also bought some sandals, which I am selling online. When I get orders to deliver sandals, I also carry cookstoves with me to market and sell. I hope to expand this with time and open a shop from where I will sell beauty products, shoes, and clean energy products.”
With support from Equity Bank, she now has a space to sell her cookstoves.
Her message to young people is clear: “It is never too early to start a business.”
“Dream big and work on it because there’s nothing as good as having your own money as a young woman.”