Coming from Monduli, Tanzania—a distance of 9,042 miles from Denver --Kisioki Mokito has traveled the farthest out of all our volunteers to volunteer with GRID Alternatives Colorado. Kisioki’s solar journey started five years ago, when he was introduced to Robert Lange, a physicist and solar advocate. Bob Lange was on a mission to design and produce efficient wood burning stoves for Maasai women, and to complement the stoves’ usefulness with electricity production. Kisioki began as a translator and was promoted to Project Manager of the Maasai Stoves and Solar Project.
To date, The Maasai Stoves and Solar Project has installed a total of 10 off-grid solar PV systems, 1600 small 10 watt household solar systems, and over 2000 stoves. The 10 off-grid solar PV systems are organized around a boma (a grouping of six to twelve houses) and provide the electricity for one shared refrigerator and computer. Local women make up the installation teams, enabling them to take on leadership roles.
As they expand their production of off-grid shared solar PV systems, Kisioki is seeking to develop more solar installation knowledge. Kisioki says, “We wanted to expand our knowledge by attending Solar Energy International, and volunteering with GRID. I wanted to find somewhere to practice before I head back to Tanzania--that’s why I came to GRID Alternatives. And we are ready. We have this great model…and we’re just looking for funds so we can introduce this great technology to the Maasai.” Through a grant of $5000 from USAID, Kisioki was able to come to America to attend a week of intensive solar training classes at Solar Energy International, in Paonia, CO, and later speak in Washington D.C. about his work with regards to women’s empowerment and solar energy.
On October 15th, Kisioki volunteered with GRID Alternatives on the Sol Naciente, 80.5kW multifamily housing system in Fort Morgan, CO. This project will bring the benefits of solar to 50 low-income families working in the agricultural industry. Kisioki appreciated volunteering and hopes to apply what he learned to his projects in Africa, particularly the emphasis GRID places on safety and standardizing the install process.