Deevabits Green Energy

Deevabits Green Energy operates as a for-profit social enterprise, focusing on the distribution and financing of solar energy products to rural, off-grid communities in Kenya. The company was established in 2016 by David Wanjau, who brings over a decade of experience in last-mile distribution and a background in biomedical science. His journey began after observing how access to technology, specifically solar energy, could dramatically improve the quality of life for smallholder farmers by replacing expensive and polluting kerosene. The venture was initially piloted after Wanjau won a D-Prize award in 2016.

The core of Deevabits' business model is a last-mile distribution network of commission-based Village Social Entrepreneurs (VSEs), who are primarily women and youth. These locally-nominated entrepreneurs sell, install, and collect payments for solar products within their communities. This approach is designed to be profitable even in hard-to-reach areas characterized by poor infrastructure and high poverty levels. To make products affordable, the company utilizes a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) financing model, allowing customers to pay a small initial deposit followed by installments over 12 to 18 months, aligning with their cash flow. Since its inception, this model has provided clean energy to over 150,000 people and empowered more than 450 sales agents.

Deevabits offers a range of solar products, including high-efficiency solar panels, inverters, batteries, and complete solar home systems that can power lights and charge phones. The company provides consultation to help customers select the right system for their needs and offers professional installation services. A significant milestone was reached in early 2023 when the company launched a seed round of $1.5 million to expand its operations from 12 to 25 counties and diversify its product offerings. The company has received financial support from entities like the SIMA Angaza Distributor Finance Fund and the U.S. African Development Foundation, which were crucial in overcoming initial working capital challenges.

Keywords: solar energy, last-mile distribution, Pay-As-You-Go, PAYG, rural Kenya, clean energy access, social enterprise, village entrepreneurs, off-grid solutions, renewable energy, energy financing, women empowerment, solar home systems, sustainable development, impact investing, financial inclusion, clean technology, rural electrification, community-based distribution, energy access