On 1 July 2025, Gathu Kirubi, the Director of the Kenya Solar Energy Foundation, died unexpectedly. His death is a bitter loss for all those who knew and worked with him.
Born in rural Kenya , Kirubi later completed his doctorate at the University of California in Berkeley (USA). He turned down a lucrative job offer with an American organization to return to Kenya in 2009. At the time, we were able to convince him to work with us to promote the spread of decentralised solar energy.
Born in rural Kenya , Kirubi later completed his doctorate at the University of California in Berkeley (USA). He turned down a lucrative job offer with an American organization to return to Kenya in 2009. At the time, we were able to convince him to work with us to promote the spread of decentralised solar energy.
Kirubi did this in two roles: As Managing Director of our Kenyan subsidiary SunTransfer and as Director of the Solar Energy Foundation Kenya.
Through and with him, we have been able to realise numerous pioneering initiatives and projects. His primary concern was always to promote the living conditions of marginalized population groups. His commitment to our project with the Allamano School, which he writes about in this newsletter, is exemplary for him.
His colleagues and partners have repeatedly emphasised Kirubi’s positive energy and drive.
In recent years, Kirubi has become increasingly involved in African start-ups: firstly at Kenyatta University (Nairobi), where he held a teaching position. Then, above all, as a key mentor in our Startup|Energy initiative. This is also reported on in this newsletter.
After a short illness, Kirubi has now died at the age of 53. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to his wife, his two children and his entire family.
With his passing, the Solar Energy Foundation has lost more than just a committed fellow campaigner. We have lost a driving force, a committed thought leader and a friend.
We will miss Kirubi.
Harald Schtzeichel
Director