Kenya is increasingly standing out as a continental leader in renewable energy. With vast solar potential and an expanding clean energy infrastructure, the country is turning a natural advantage into economic opportunity. At the centre of this transition is Africa Renewables Katalyst (ARK), an innovative platform enabling mini-grid operators to monetise their clean energy production through the sale of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
For years, mini-grid operators have played a critical role in Kenya’s electrification journey, especially in off-grid and underserved regions. These small-scale solar power producers supply clean electricity to households and businesses in areas where the national grid has not reached. However, the financial sustainability of these operators has often been challenged by high setup costs, limited consumer bases, and low tariffs.
Now, ARK is transforming this dynamic by linking mini-grid operators in Kenya – and increasingly across Africa, with upcoming projects in Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond – to international markets through the trading of RECs, digital certificates that verify electricity was generated from a renewable source. These certificates can then be sold to companies and institutions across the globe keen to meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments by offsetting their carbon emissions.
“Our mission is simple – to make clean energy work not only for the environment but also for the local economy,” says Brian Munene, CEO of Africa Renewables Katalyst. “By unlocking new income streams through RECs, we are enabling mini-grid operators to turn every unit of solar power into a globally tradable asset.”
The process begins with operators registering their solar generation assets on the ARK platform. ARK then facilitates validation and verification through international renewable energy registries. Once registered, each megawatt-hour (MWh) of clean energy produced is eligible for a certificate, which ARK helps market and sell to global buyers.
One clear example of this impact can be seen in Kisumu County, where a small solar mini-grid has seen remarkable financial transformation since partnering with ARK. Previously reliant on modest customer payments, the operator now earns extra revenue through International Renewables Energy Certificate, I-REC sales. This new income has enabled the company to upgrade infrastructure, hire additional staff, and stabilise consumer tariffs.
“This model is not just about carbon credits, it is about resilience and sustainability,” says Munene, adding that, “We are proving that clean energy can be both environmentally sound and economically rewarding and more so for local community driven energy projects.”
Beyond supporting businesses, the ripple effects of ARK’s model are felt by the communities themselves. Increased income for operators means better service reliability, potential for local employment, and a stronger case for scaling clean energy infrastructure across Kenya.
ARK’s work also aligns with Kenya’s broader climate agenda, as outlined in the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). With global pressure mounting on governments and corporations alike to reduce emissions, platforms like ARK provide a practical and impactful solution, one that positions Kenya as a key player in the global carbon economy.
As global markets continue to embrace carbon neutrality, Kenya’s sun-drenched terrain offers more than just light — it offers a chance at energy equity and economic empowerment.
“We believe Kenya can lead Africa in building a clean energy economy that benefits all,” says Munene. “With ARK, every renewable energy source, whether solar, biomass, hydro, or wind, in even the most remote village can contribute to global climate goals, while putting more money in the pockets of local entrepreneurs.”
From powering homes to powering profits, ARK is showing that with the right tools and partnerships, sunshine can indeed be turned into shillings.
