Why we invested
AV Ventures invested in Solargen Technologies Ltd through mezzanine financing, structured as revenue-based growth capital, complemented by hands-on technical assistance. This dual approach was designed to accelerate the deployment of Solargen’s solar-powered irrigation and water pumping solutions across Kenya’s most underserved arid and semi-arid counties, including Wajir, Marsabit, and Turkana. In these regions, the absence of reliable energy and water infrastructure has long hindered agricultural productivity, constrained household livelihoods, and limited climate resilience.
Solargen’s business model addresses these gaps head-on by offering affordable, Pay-As-You-Go solar water systems that replace costly and polluting diesel-powered pumps. This not only reduces operating costs for farmers but also enables year-round irrigation, increases crop yields, and supports food security. The company’s local distribution and after-sales service network also generate rural employment and build capacity within the communities it serves.
This investment fits squarely within the Impact for Kenya Fund’s mandate to support high-impact clean-tech and agri-infrastructure SMEs that are advancing climate adaptation, market access, and inclusive economic participation in fragile environments. Within INK’s broader portfolio, Solargen complements other renewable energy and agricultural enterprises by bridging a critical infrastructure gap—providing the enabling conditions for farmers and rural households to transition to more sustainable, resilient, and productive livelihoods. Moreover, Solargen’s scalable model offers potential for replication across similar off-grid and water-stressed contexts in East Africa, amplifying the Fund’s regional impact.
Company Description:
Solargen Technologies is a Kenyan-based clean energy company delivering solar-powered solutions for irrigation, clean water access, and household energy needs in off-grid and underserved communities. Its Pay-As-You-Go model enables smallholder farmers to install and pay for solar water pumps in affordable installments, increasing productivity and resilience in drought-prone zones. The company also supports local youth through job creation in installation, after-sales service, and community outreach. Since the AV Ventures investment, Solargen has scaled its operations significantly, delivering over 140 systems and improving water access for thousands.
