Researchers from Royal Holloway are supporting a new solar energy project which will provide stable electricity to Oasis Mathare, an IT training centre in the Mathare informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya.
The installation, which has taken place over the last few months, will give the centre a reliable power supply for basic IT skills training, addressing long‑standing disruptions caused by unstable electricity.
The researchers believe this may improve attendance and learning outcomes – both of which will be monitored over time as these changes take effect. Oasis Mathare also provides an opportunity for student volunteers, giving Royal Holloway students the chance to get involved with the work in the future.
The aim of the project is to demonstrate that solar power can offer a cost‑effective, sustainable solution for improving learning and training outcomes in areas without a stable supply of electricity. It is being delivered in partnership with GoodWe, a solar inverter producer who provided essential assistance, and Nabico, a local green energy distributor responsible for the installation.
Royal Holloway’s involvement in the project reflects the University’s commitment to social purpose, addressing global inequalities in areas where stable electricity is not commonplace. It also represents research which could make a tangible impact on people’s lives in a measurable way.
Dr Pengzhan Qian, from the Department of Economics at Royal Holloway, said: "Access to reliable electricity is very important to education, especially in this age of AI. We are delighted to see that we can help students in informal settlements to catch-up with IT trainings. This project reflects the University’s commitment to conducting research that has real-world impact while addressing global inequalities."
