Kenya faces increasing challenges in water management due to climate change, driving demand for sustainable solutions in agriculture. Solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) offer a promising answer, addressing food security concerns while creating opportunities for green job growth, especially in rural areas. Despite the potential, the job market lacks trained professionals with the specialized skills needed to meet the sector’s demands.

The rapid growth of Kenya’s SPIS market—solar water pumps (SWPs) are growing at an annual rate of 49%—has outpaced the education and training system. Although SPIS could generate an estimated 90,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2027, structural barriers prevent rural youth from accessing these opportunities. Limited access to specialized courses, high training costs, and a lack of practical, industry-aligned experience hinder the development of a skilled workforce. Additionally, gender disparities in technical and vocational education training (TVET) remain stark, with women comprising only about 1% of SPIS-related course enrollments.

The “Jobs in PULSE” initiative, led by Dalberg and CLASP, addresses these gaps by pioneering a collaborative approach to workforce development in Kenya’s SPIS sector. By co-designing a curriculum with government agencies, private sector partners, and training institutions, the project ensures alignment with industry standards and emerging technological advancements. This initiative emphasizes both hard skills, such as electrical installation and irrigation management, and soft skills, including customer interaction and safety awareness.

Advancing Practical Training and Inclusivity

A critical component of the initiative is the integration of field-based learning. With only 31% of TVET students currently receiving practical industry placements—despite evidence that these improve employment prospects by up to 50%—the program prioritizes on-the-job training and continuous learning modules. This approach equips trainees with hands-on experience in emerging SPIS technologies, enhancing their job-readiness.

To tackle gender disparities, the program incorporates targeted outreach to encourage female participation. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity, the initiative builds a diverse talent pipeline, expanding opportunities for women in the SPIS workforce.

Building Climate Resilience and Job Opportunities

This initiative aligns with broader trends in decentralized renewable energy solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, such as mini-grids and solar installations, which simultaneously boost agricultural productivity and create local employment. By tailoring training to the specific needs of the SPIS sector, the program not only addresses immediate workforce challenges but also lays the groundwork for scaling green job creation in related sectors, such as solar refrigeration and cold storage.

The “Jobs in PULSE” initiative demonstrates how tailored, collaborative training programs can unlock the potential of emerging sectors. By aligning education with market demands, fostering inclusivity, and emphasizing practical experience, the project serves as a replicable model for other green job sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa. It addresses critical challenges in the education-to-employment pipeline while building climate resilience and sustainable economic pathways for rural communities.

Africa has the potential to be at the center of global efforts to tackle climate change, creating job opportunities for youth, who will make up 34% of Africa’s total population by 2030. However, youth are not prepared for the anticipated wave of green jobs. Dalberg aims to go beyond the numbers, picking high-potential green sectors and developing viable pathways for young people to access meaningful work. Through a collaborative approach, we aim to develop a blueprint for future skills training programs across the region.

To learn more about this project, contact: