In 2025, the Mwezi Solar Project supported 269 schools, including 38 newly recruited schools, with 8,759 solar lights in circulation. During the year, 2,873 new lights were donated, and 2,624 broken lights were replaced, benefiting over 13,000 learners and nearly 66,000 secondary beneficiaries. The project enhanced evening study hours and conditions, school attendance, and academic performance, while reducing household expenditure on kerosene, improving health outcomes, and promoting environmental sustainability. Teachers and learners reported improved homework completion, class participation, and overall student wellbeing. The initiative also supported local employment and strengthened partnerships with schools, communities, and donors.

This report presents the 2025 progress and impact of the Mwezi Solar Project. It highlights how access to reliable, clean lighting supports learners, families, and schools, while advancing key Sustainable Development Goals.

LIGHTS IN CIRCULATION:

In 2025, a total of 8,759 Mwezi solar lights were in circulation across 269 schools, including 38 schools newly recruited during the year. Of the lights distributed during the year, 52% (2,873 lights) were new donations, while 48% (2,624 lights) were replacements for broken lights.

BENEFICIARIES:

Primary beneficiaries during the year were 13,139 learners, while secondary beneficiaries totalled 65,695 family members. These estimates are based on an assumption of 1.5 primary beneficiaries per light and five secondary beneficiaries per primary beneficiary.

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT:

Throughout the year, our Schools Managers conducted 562 school visits. Most schools received multiple visits: 146 schools were visited three times, 118 schools twice, and 5 schools once. More than 500 teachers were actively engaged in project activities throughout the year, supporting light management as well as monitoring and evaluation processes.

LIGHT PRODUCTION AND REPAIRS:

Throughout 2025, our technicians produced 1,960 new lights, adding to the 1,199 working lights in stock at the start of the year. They also repaired 2,593 broken lights, while 31 unfixable lights were disassembled to recover reusable components. Overall, repairs accounted for 56% of total production, with new lights making up 44%.

LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT:

Evening study hours increased significantly, with approximately 25,500 additional hours recorded across beneficiary schools in 2025. School attendance rates remained high, averaging over 95% daily in Mwezi-supported classes, while transition rates from primary to junior school exceeded 98%, reflecting improved academic continuity. These improvements contributed to enhanced academic performance among the learners.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING:

The project contributed to better health outcomes for learners. By replacing kerosene lamps and candles, the project reduced exposure to respiratory hazards, eye strain, burns, and fatigue. Learners enjoyed safer, cleaner, and more comfortable environments for evening study, supporting overall wellbeing for children and their families.

ECONOMIC IMPACT:

Households benefited financially, saving an estimated KES 1,200 (£7) per month on kerosene, based on typical rural family usage of KES 40 for a quarter litre per night. However, the amount of light produced by solar lights would have amounted to significantly more kerosene usage, it is just that families can’t afford to light their homes for the 4-5 hours that a Mwezi light provides. These savings enhanced household resilience and freed up resources for other essential needs such as food, education, and healthcare.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

The project supported environmental sustainability by preventing approximately 5,000 kg of CO2 emissions per day through reduced kerosene use, assuming that one litre of kerosene produces 2.5 kg of CO2. This underscores the Mwezi Solar Project’s contribution to cleaner energy adoption and environmental protection. The lights also reduced the emission of harmful particulates from kerosene.

EMPLOYMENT IMPACT:

The project directly employed 5 Kenyan staff members in 2025, with additional indirect employment generated through local suppliers, services, and logistics, contributing to local economic development.

My name is Fatuma, I am 14 years old, and I study at M— Primary School. I live in M— village with my family of nine. I enjoy participating in games at school, but before getting the Mwezi solar light, I used to struggle with my homework because the lighting at home was very poor. Before the Mwezi light, I had to buy a candle every day to do my homework. This was hard on my eyes, and I always had to rush to finish my work before the candle went out because my parents could not afford to buy many candles. Since receiving the Mwezi solar light, I can complete my homework without rushing. I feel comfortable using it to study, and my performance in school has improved. It has also helped my family save money because we no longer need to buy candles every day. The light has made studying easier, safer, and more enjoyable for me.

My name is Siti, I am 16 years old and a Grade 9 student at Z— Junior School. I live in Z— area with my family, and we come from a humble background. I am a hardworking and disciplined student. Before receiving the Mwezi light, I used to study using a torch, but it was not always possible because we often lacked batteries. The torch did not provide enough light for everyone, so I had to wait until other household activities were finished before I could do my homework. The Mwezi light has made a big difference in my studies. I can now read and revise comfortably, and my exam performance has improved. I am also more attentive in class and feel healthier. The light has helped me stay focused, behave well, and learn better. It also helps my family with other activities at home. I promise to take good care of the Mwezi light, and if it develops any problem, I will report it to my teacher. Thank you very much for giving me this light.

My name is Santa. I am 13 years old and I go to C— Primary School. I live in C— village in a house with 14 people from my extended family. Before I had the Mwezi light, I used a kerosene lamp or a candle to do my homework. The smoke from the lamp hurt my eyes, and I used to cough every time I studied. We also spent a lot of money buying kerosene and candles. Now, with the Mwezi light, I can read comfortably and finish my homework without hurting my eyes or coughing. My parents also save money, which they can use for other things at home. The light is very reliable, but there are only a few, so I have to share it with another pupil on some days. On those days, I sometimes have to go back to using kerosene. But overall, the Mwezi light has made studying much easier and has helped me do better in school.

My name is Evans, a 16-year-old male student at M— Junior School. I come from M— village and live in a family of eight. I walk about 2 kilometres to school every day. Before receiving the Mwezi light, I had to complete my homework early before nightfall, or use a paraffin lamp when available. However, there were times we had no light due to lack of fuel, and the smoke from the paraffin lamp affected my eyesight. Since receiving the Mwezi light, I can now study comfortably in the evening and even extend my study time into the night. This has helped me improve my academic performance. The Mwezi light is safe, reliable, and comfortable to use. It also benefits my whole family, as we use it for cooking, lighting our home, and studying together with my siblings. I am very grateful to the Mwezi Foundation for providing this light, which has helped me study better.

My name is Ninah. I am 12 years old girl in Grade 6 at C— Primary School. I live in C— village with five members of my family. Before I received the Mwezi light, I used a kerosene lamp or candles to do my schoolwork and homework. The smoke from the kerosene and candles made it hard for me to breathe, caused my eyes to hurt, and made me get tired quickly. My parents also spent a lot of money to buy kerosene and candles, which was a burden for our family. Sometimes I could not study at home because we did not have kerosene or money to buy candles. Since I got the Mwezi solar light, I can study and do my homework well. I now perform better in school, moving from meeting expectation to exceeding expectation. My breathing is good, and my eyes no longer hurt. The light has also helped my parents save money. I believe I will keep doing better in school. Thank you, Mwezi Foundation, for giving me a solar light.

I am Julius, a 19-year-old male and a Grade 9 student at M— Junior School. I live in M— village with my family of 10 members. Before receiving the Mwezi light, I used a kerosene lamp for my evening studies and homework. However, this was often difficult because some days we could not afford kerosene. I sometimes had to go to my neighbours’ house to do my homework, which was not convenient, and at times I could not finish my assignments due to lack of light. The kerosene smoke also gave me frequent colds. Since receiving the Mwezi light, my situation has greatly improved. I can now study comfortably at home and complete my homework on time. My school performance has improved significantly, and my parents no longer need to buy kerosene. I also experience fewer colds. Thank you, Mwezi Foundation, for your support, it has truly made a difference in my education and wellbeing.

I have worked at Kanyumbuni primary school for 7 years. Many pupils had problems studying at home because there is no electricity in some parts of the area. Most pupils used kerosene lamps, and the smoke sometimes caused colds, coughing, and other health problems. Because of this, school performance and attendance were low. Some pupils could not complete their homework or attend school fully. Since receiving the solar lights from the Mwezi Foundation, academics have improved, especially in classes using the lights. Class participation and homework completion are much better. Pupils’ health and attentiveness have improved because they can study in better conditions at home. The solar lights have also reduced household costs and improved safety for many families. I hope the Foundation can support all classes in the future, maybe even the whole school.

My name is Mr. Salim, and I have been teaching at Benyoka Primary School for almost seven years. Most of my pupils do not have electricity at home. The lights they use are shared by the whole family, which makes it hard for them to study. Many students could not finish their homework on time, often saying the light was being used in the kitchen or by their father in his room. Before the Mwezi lights, students often complained of eye strain and fatigue, but they did not know it was caused by kerosene lamps. In most homes, the light was given priority for the kitchen or elders’ rooms, so learners had to ask for permission and sometimes wait until late to study. This affected their academic performance, concentration in class, and even attendance. Families also spent extra money buying kerosene. Since receiving the Mwezi lights, I have seen many improvements. Learners are finishing their homework on time, studying for assessments, and participating more in class. Their health has also improved; they are more energetic and eager to learn. The lights have made a big difference not only in the students’ education but also in the families’ lives. They save money and have a better standard of living. The Mwezi lights have given the learners a real chance to succeed in school.

The Mwezi Solar Project continues to deliver strong positive impacts for learners, families, schools, and the environment. By providing reliable, safe, and clean lighting, the project supports academic achievement, reduces household expenses, mitigates health risks, fosters gender equality, and promotes environmental sustainability.