This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
Solar equipment dealers in Kenya are sounding the alarm over the increasing presence of counterfeit solar products in the market.
According to the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), the fake products have made it difficult for solar companies to get their products off the shelves.
GOGLA East Africa Regional Representative Patrick Tonui said the association is working closely with government agencies to find a lasting solution to the issue.
‘We need to support and empower the regulatory bodies with the resources and manpower so that they can be able to rein in these phony products through testing and law enforcing,’ Mr Tonui said.
Generic Energy Head of Sales Jimmy Njai echoed the concerns, stating that the increase in substandard products has significantly hurt their businesses, with sales tumbling as a result.
Mr Njai added that energy regulator EPRA should do more to crack down on illegal businesses operating openly in various parts of Nairobi.
The substandard products are retailing at up to half the price of genuine ones, making it difficult for genuine products to compete in terms of pricing.
GOGLA plans to roll out consumer awareness programs to educate people on how to identify genuine solar products.
