3.3.2. Role of Education, Training, Research and Development Programmes

Globally, China is a powerhouse for solar technology [40]. In 2001, China had thirty research institutes and universities that were working collaboratively to develop the materials used in PV cells [41]. Notably, key Chinese producers of PV manufacturing equipment have emerged with a number of firms being tasked with PV system design, technology research and development, manufacturing of the components as well as sales and after-sales service.

In Kenya, most solar PV firms have been involved in the government led rural electrification programme [42]. However, there is minimal research and development within the firms since most of them rarely devote a portion of their annual turnover to facilitate their technological capabilities and the competitiveness regarding PV [43]. Hence, in view of the extant literature, instances of research and development in the PV in Kenya are close to none.

In 2015, Maclean and Brass [44] noted that the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute is engaged in researching the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies such as PV. The authors noted that Migori, Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Embu and Samburu were among the counties that were surveyed for low-carbon technologies. This is referred as a niche development for Kenya relevant to make affordable PV systems for off-grid rural areas. This study concluded that a policy brief should be developed to spur a pico solar market in Kenya. Pico refers to the smallest portable photovoltaic systems mainly typified by rechargeable battery.
