As renewable energy sources like solar and wind are set to account for nearly 90% of global power capacity growth in the next decade, the sector offers exciting opportunities for young professionals.
In line with this trend, the Promotion of Youth and Women Employment in Renewable Energy in Kenya program, conducted in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, WTS Foundation, and the Technical University of Mombasa, is creating new opportunities for women and youth in the renewable energy and e-mobility sectors. To understand the impact firsthand, we spoke with two trainees, Yvonne and Shantel, to learn what inspired their journey and how the program has influenced their career aspirations.
Hi Yvonne and Shantel, could you please introduce yourself first?
Yvonne Cherotich Ngetich
Quality Control Officer
Hello, my name is Yvonne. I am a graduate electrical engineer currently working as a Quality Control Officer at Auto Springs EA PLC. Additionally, I volunteer with the IEEE MTT-S Kenya Chapter. I am committed dedicated to continuous improvement and promoting environmental sustainability.
Shantel Magombe Munga
Energy Engineer
Hi, I’m Shantel, an Energy Engineer with a background in Energy and Environmental Technology. My career has been centered around energy management in the hospitality industry, where I’ve successfully implemented conservation measures, real-time monitoring, and solar integration strategies.
Beyond my technical work, I am passionate about sustainability—not just in energy but also in reducing waste through my entrepreneurial ventures, such as upcycling fabrics into yarn for bags and exploring eco-friendly candle-making. My goal is to combine innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency to create a lasting impact.
What inspired young professionals like you to pursue a career in renewable energy? How has your experience been working in the solar energy industry so far?
Yvonne Cherotich Ngetich
Quality Control Officer
I am specifically drawn to pursuing a career in solar energy because of its ability to offer sustainable energy and affordable energy solutions, and the potential growth in the industry.
I have installed solar panels before in my rural area because everyone believed that, as a trained electrical engineer, I was capable of doing it—which I did.
However, I couldn’t confidently guarantee that I had provided them with a truly sustainable energy solution. I didn’t consider the possibility of load expansion, nor did I factor in aspects like insolation or days of autonomy when choosing the system.
Shantel Magombe Munga
Energy Engineer
My passion for energy and sustainability started with a curiosity about improving industry efficiency while reducing environmental footprint. Working in the hotel industry, I saw how small energy-saving measures could make a big difference. This attracted me to solar energy as a key solution for a greener future. Programs like WTS and YEEP have strengthened my belief that change happens through collaboration and innovation.
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Great to hear! Now that we understand why young professionals like you in renewable energy industry and join the program, how has this training helped you develop your skills and confidence? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Yvonne Cherotich Ngetich
Quality Control Officer
Honestly, the training was invaluable to me. It equipped me with the skills to size solar systems, troubleshoot issues, and perform maintenance. It also boosted my confidence in working with solar energy. As a result of the training, I have successfully designed a solar system for a client independently.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was applying what I learned in real-world situations. To overcome this, I’ve been networking with experienced professionals for guidance and actively seeking roles in the solar energy industry.
Shantel Magombe Munga
Energy Engineer
The solar training program was an eye-opener. It gave me practical knowledge that really complemented my background in energy management. Beyond the skills, one of the biggest takeaways was networking—I connected with young, innovative minds working toward a green economy. The conversations, shared experiences, and collective vision of sustainability have been incredibly inspiring.
In terms of challenges, balancing the technical work with my entrepreneurial projects was difficult at times, but it taught me to be adaptable. I’ve learned to approach problems with a solutions-driven mindset and using my growing network for advice and collaboration.
Read also : How to get a job in the renewable energy sector?
Awesome! Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals within the solar energy sector? What specific steps are you taking to achieve these goals?
Yvonne Cherotich Ngetich
Quality Control Officer
I aspire to work on large-scale solar installations and eventually open a workshop where I can design and sell solar systems to clients—while also handling installations when possible. Currently, I am improving my design skills using PVSyst and practicing different system sizing. Additionally, I attended a training program offered by Megapower on the installation of lithium-ion batteries, further expanding my expertise in energy storage solutions.
Shantel Magombe Munga
Energy Engineer
I want to bring solar energy solutions into the hospitality and commercial sectors while advocating sustainability-focused businesses. My goal is to help more companies adopt clean energy by sharing technical expertise, offering training, and raising awareness.
Additionally, I plan to provide utilities Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) consultation services, helping businesses optimize their energy use and reduce costs through efficiency strategies. On the entrepreneurial side, I’m incorporating solar energy into small-scale production for my upcycling and eco-friendly candle-making ventures.
To get there, I’m continuously learning about solar PV, joining mentorship programs, and expanding my network to collaborate on meaningful sustainability projects.
Thank you Yvonne and Shantel for sharing your stories! It’s inspiring to see your passion for solar energy and sustainability. Wishing you both success on your journey—we’ll be cheering you on!
