The British International Investment (BII) has announced a significant additional investment of $4 million in SunCulture, a Kenyan company renowned for its innovative solar energy solutions and irrigation equipment. This latest funding initiative is aimed at expanding SunCulture’s reach and improving financial accessibility for smallholder farmers, who are often the backbone of agricultural production in the region.
This new investment builds upon BII’s previous support in 2023, which facilitated the distribution of 9,000 solar irrigation systems to farmers throughout Kenya. The additional funding will be instrumental in scaling an innovative carbon financing initiative that is designed to reduce the upfront costs associated with solar irrigation technology for farmers. With this initiative, it is anticipated that up to 16,000 smallholder farmers will gain affordable access to solar-powered irrigation systems, enabling them to enhance their agricultural productivity.
Christopher Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, emphasized the broader implications of this investment for agriculture and climate resilience. He stated, “Our further investment in SunCulture will continue to reduce the upfront costs of solar irrigation systems, allowing us to reach more smallholder farmers in Kenya. This will not only increase farmland productivity and farmers’ incomes but also improve their resilience to the impacts of climate change.”
Chijiutomi also underscored the importance of the carbon financing model in attracting private-sector investment and fostering innovation within the agricultural sector. He remarked, “As the UK’s development finance institution, we are proud to support a pioneering carbon financing pilot that demonstrates feasibility and attracts private capital. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing food security, and improving access to clean energy for all.”
The investment aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-smart solutions, ensuring that smallholder farmers can access reliable and cost-effective irrigation systems while actively contributing to carbon reduction initiatives. By empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive, BII and SunCulture are playing a crucial role in advancing agricultural resilience and sustainability in Kenya.
