Eng. Carol Ofafa: Leading Sustainable Energy Solutions in Africa and Empowering Women in STEM

With over a decade of hands-on experience in the design, construction supervision, and maintenance of high-voltage electricity infrastructure, Carol has emerged as a leading figure in Africa’s energy sector, known for her innovative approach to solving critical energy challenges.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

Her thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence led her to pursue a Master of Science in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Management at the University of Glasgow, where she earned the prestigious Graduate Award for Leadership.

Carol’s professional journey began at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), where she played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Notably, she served as the construction supervisor for the Suswa Converter Station, a critical part of the Ethiopia-Kenya interconnector transmission line project.

Carol is the founder and CEO of E-Safiri Charging Limited, a Kenyan startup focused on developing solar-powered charging stations for two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles.

The company focuses on the development and deployment of solar-powered charging stations for two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs), a transformative initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.

The transportation sector in Kenya and across Africa is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

At the same time, millions of people lack access to affordable and clean energy, creating barriers to sustainable development and economic growth.

These twin challenges are compounded by the limited infrastructure to support electric mobility, such as charging stations, which makes the transition to cleaner transportation options difficult.

E-Safiri was founded with a mission to promote the widespread adoption of electric mobility solutions by addressing critical infrastructure gaps.

Carol envisions a future where solar energy powers transportation, drastically reducing dependence on fossil fuels while making clean mobility accessible to urban and rural populations alike.

E-Safiri Charging Limited develops and operates solar-powered EV charging stations, designed specifically for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, which are widely used for both commercial and personal purposes in Kenya.

These vehicles, such as motorbikes (commonly referred to as boda bodas) and tuk-tuks, are integral to the country’s transportation system but are often powered by polluting and inefficient engines.

Currently, Carol is a researcher at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, contributing to the African School of Regulation (ASR) initiative.

Her research focuses on fostering partnerships within Africa’s energy sector and identifying capacity-building opportunities to enhance energy access across the continent.

She is also an ardent advocate for gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

She has mentored countless young women, encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering and energy.

Carol’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning her Kenya’s highest civilian honor, the Head of State Commendation (HSC), awarded by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020.

This accolade acknowledged her exceptional role in implementing major transmission lines, mentoring women in energy, and championing clean energy innovations.