KBC Channel 1

Tag: Davis & Shirtliff

  • Davis & Shirtliff launches solar hybrid system to help millions of Kenyans in off-grid areas access clean, affordable power

    Davis & Shirtliff launches solar hybrid system to help millions of Kenyans in off-grid areas access clean, affordable power

    Davis & Shirtliff has introduced a new modular containerised solar hybrid system to help millions of Kenyans living in off-grid areas access clean and affordable electricity with the first unit already installed in Lodwar, Turkana County.

    It includes a 50 kW solar hybrid inverter and a 70 kWh battery storage system, providing steady power throughout the day and night and substantially reducing reliance on diesel generators, which are costly and environmentally harmful.

    The system is fully assembled, easy to transport and quick to install. Designed specifically for remote locations, it is ideal for rural communities, schools, clinics, trading centres, businesses and humanitarian operations.

     Its compact, plug-and-play design means it can be deployed rapidly even in harsh or isolated environments.

    “This is an important step in delivering clean, reliable energy to areas long without access,” said MD Edward Davis at Davis & Shirtliff.

     “By offering a ready-to-use system, we are helping communities gain electricity faster and more affordably, supporting both economic growth and social development.”

    According to statistics from the Ministry of Energy, around 43 per cent of Kenya’s population remains unconnected to the national grid, with rural areas being particularly underserved.

    At the same time, Kenya’s mini-grid and off-grid sector is growing, with solar hybrid systems widely viewed as the most cost-effective solution for powering remote communities.

    According to the State of the Global Mini-Grids Market 2024 report, funded by UK aid, Kenya needs solar hybrid mini-grids to serve at least 1.3 million people and add 125 MW of capacity in order to achieve universal power access by 2030 through least-cost solutions, a transition expected to require an investment of approximately USD 281 million.

    Studies of mini-grid systems in Kenya have found that access to reliable power can lead to meaningful socioeconomic benefits: increases in household income, improved business hours, better educational outcomes and greater safety.

    The scalable, rapidly deployable system, which integrates solar generation and battery storage, directly addresses the growing need for decentralised energy solutions.

  • D&S Connect the new AI-powered app to link customers with technicians

    D&S Connect the new AI-powered app to link customers with technicians

    Davis & Shirtliff has introduced D&S Connect, an AI-powered mobile application that enables customers to seamlessly connect with certified technicians for professional services in water systems, solar power, generators, and related equipment within their localities.

    The new platform addresses the common challenge of finding reliable service providers, both for routine maintenance and during urgent equipment or system breakdowns.

    Leveraging AI, the application automatically connects customers with the most qualified and available technicians in their vicinity, while also enabling real-time tracking of the request and the technician’s movement until arrival at the service location.

    “Our vision is to make technical service and support as seamless and accessible as cab-hailing transformed urban transport. D&S Connect provides customers with instant access to a trusted, safe and efficient network of technicians, available whenever and wherever they are needed,” said Eng. Charles Kebaso, Group Service Manager at Davis & Shirtliff.

    All technicians on the platform are thoroughly vetted, certified, and required to undergo regular mandatory accreditation at Davis & Shirtliff service centres.

    This guarantees that customers receive professional support not only for Davis & Shirtliff-supplied solutions—such as pumps, solar systems, and water treatment units—but also for a wide range of other equipment brands.

    When requesting service, customers can describe their issue through text, voice narration, or by uploading photos and short videos of the faulty equipment.

    The application’s AI then analyses the information and recommends the most appropriate specialist to handle the job.

    Upon completion of a service, customers can rate the technician based on professionalism, quality, and courtesy.

    These ratings are used to enhance service quality and categorise technicians into support tiers.

    The system promotes continuous training and excellence while giving customers flexibility to choose their preferred level of service.

    The platform also integrates job tracking, digital reporting, secure payments, and performance monitoring to ensure accountability and professionalism.

    Customers benefit from full transparency, including visibility of technician profiles, response times, and costs, while technicians are incentivised to upskill and consistently maintain high standards.

    “We are revolutionising the delivery of technical support in the region by removing the uncertainty of finding reliable professionals. D&S Connect provides a safe, convenient, and transparent solution that benefits both customers and service providers,” said Eng. CK.

    Davis & Shirtliff plans to roll out the app across all its African markets within the next six months.

    The company expects the platform to significantly reduce waiting times, improve first-time fix rates, and enhance customer satisfaction, setting a new industry benchmark for technical support in the region.