Founded by Edward Kinyanjui, Plexus Energy shines in the provision of green energy solutions
In the heart of Kenya’s renewable energy revolution stands Edward Kinyanjui, a visionary entrepreneur whose transition from finance to energy exemplifies innovation and resilience. As the founder and CEO of Plexus Energy, Kinyanjui has not only pioneered solar and renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers across Kenya and the greater East African region, but has also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to think big and act boldly. In an exclusive interview with Biashara Leo, Kinyanjui shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, the transformative potential of renewable energy, and how Plexus Energy is taking charge in the green revolution.
Kinyanjui’s career is a statement to the power of adaptability and foresight. With a strong professional background in finance, while working in the telecom industry, Kinyanjui witnessed firsthand the business being disrupted by power. Consequently, it would lose a lot of revenue. This is what informed his decision to start a solar power company. “Working in the telecommunications sector, I witnessed how power disruptions would often cripple our operations,” he explains. “The urgency to find sustainable and reliable power solutions became personal,” he adds.
Entrepreneurial journey
In 2010, Kinyanjui founded Plexus Energy. His mission was to bridge the power gaps, not only in big industries, but also communities, using solar and renewable energy solutions. Peaking at the entrepreneurial space with modest equipment and with little to no experience, he devoted himself in research and adapting new and already existing technology. He also formed sustainable partnerships that would help the business to become a formidable force in offering clean energy solutions.
Initially, the visionary entrepreneur started with basic power back up installations. His team would install inverters to absorb the unused power, conserving it for future use and emergencies. One of his major clients was Telkom Kenya.
Over the years, Plexus Energy has grown in leaps and bounds by focusing on providing clients with sustainable and reliable energy solutions while continually innovating products to meet their unique needs. “Plexus Energy is not just about providing power; it is about empowering communities, industries, and ecosystems to thrive sustainably,” remarks Kinyanjui.
To achieve its remarkable growth and scale, the company re- evaluated its strategies, identifying gaps in its approach to becoming an industry leader. A key focus was identifying and addressing the customers’ needs. By so doing, it developed solutions that would offer the customers maximum satisfaction.
For instance, in Wajir, a marginalized community with limited resources for food storage, Plexus Energy identified a pressing need for reliable cold storage. Consequently, it developed a customized solution that enables the said community to monitor storage conditions, including temperature levels, while reducing post-harvest losses. This solution not only preserves food quality but also generates significant cost savings for the clients.
Standing out
Plexus Energy also provides consultancy services countrywide. To that end, it partners with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in undertaking research. Recently, it undertook a research in respect to the cost and pace of building solar mini grids in rural areas. The solar mini grids are mainly used for power generation in off grid areas. The company has made an evaluation and a very strong investment in developing solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients’ in the rural areas. These clients include financial institutions like commercial banks.
It has also undertaken projects in public schools in marginalized counties such as Narok, Marsbit and Mandera. Once the installation is done, maintenance follows at as part of the contract. This enhances the sustainability of the projects. To that end, it recruits individuals from the communities that have benefited from the installations and trains on how to undertake maintenance.
Championing the future of renewable energy
Kinyanjui’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the profound impact of renewable energy as a driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability. With an ever-increasing demand for clean energy solutions, he sees immense opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in this transformative sector. “The future of renewable energy entrepreneurship is bright,” he says. “There is room for innovative minds to create products and services that not only solve energy issues but also contribute to mitigating climate change,” he adds.
To seize these opportunities, Kinyanjui advocates for an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship through policies, investments, and collaborations. He emphasizes the importance of government incentives, partnerships with NGOs, and educational initiatives to equip young innovators with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the green economy. “We need to nurture a generation that sees green energy not as an option, but as an essential part of our economic and social fabric,” he added.
Navigating challenges in Kenya’s renewable energy market
One of the challenges that Kinyanjui faced at the start-up stage was navigating an unstructured market. Unlike developed economies, where clear delineations exist between manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and end users, Kenya’s market often sees players overlapping roles. For instance, distributors who supply products may also compete directly for tenders, creating conflicts and complicating business models. The said environment made it difficult for Kinyanjui to implement tried-and-tested business models he had researched from more developed markets.
Capital constraints presented another significant hurdle. As a young entrepreneur, Kinyanjui struggled to secure funding without a track record, audited accounts, or substantial collateral. Banks and traditional lenders were hesitant to support a fledgling business, forcing him to rely on personal savings, and financial support from family and friends. These alternative sources of funding, while essential, often strained relationships, especially during the business’s early, unprofitable stages.
Compliance and licensing requirements added another layer of complexity. Starting a solar business demanded significant upfront investment in tools, licenses, and certifications—costs that were prohibitive for a new entrepreneur. The need for multiple licenses from various bodies, such as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) as well as the National Construction Authority (NCA), coupled with annual renewals, drained resources and stretched operational capacity of the company. Initially, he resorted to operating informally until he could afford to meet these stringent regulatory demands.
Additionally, the high cost of solar technology posed a challenge in onboarding customers. In the early days, with no prior installations to showcase, Kinyanjui relied on the trust of early adopters and references from overseas projects. Over time, building a local portfolio helped establish credibility and gain customer confidence.
Despite these hurdles, Plexus Energy has grown into a leading provider of solar solutions, driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability and customer-centric solutions. The company not only designs and installs solar systems, but also ensures return on investment by offering financing options through partnerships with financial institutions. These innovative approaches have enabled customers to offset loans with savings from reduced energy costs, making solar energy more accessible and affordable.
Leadership in green revolution
Plexus Energy’s success is rooted in its comprehensive approach of designing, sourcing, installing, and maintaining solar and backup power systems. This integrated service model has enabled the company to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, from large-scale industrial facilities to public schools in rural communities. Kinyanjui’s philosophy centres on customer engagement, emphasizing that understanding clients’ challenges and aspirations is key to developing effective energy solutions.
One of Plexus Energy’s landmark projects has been its collaboration with NGOs and public schools to establish solar-powered systems that not only provide electricity but also facilitate better learning environments. “Education and access to reliable energy go hand in hand,” Kinyanjui noted. “Solar energy enables schools to remain operational after dark and enhances the learning experience, especially in remote areas where the grid is unreliable,” he says.
Kinyanjui’s commitment extends beyond business. He is actively engaged in advocating for policies that make renewable energy more accessible and attractive for financial institutions. For instance, he appeals to banks to accept solar assets as collateral for lending, thus fostering a financing ecosystem that supports renewable energy projects.
A call to action for entrepreneurs and policymakers
Kinyanjui’s journey with Plexus Energy is not just an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial success but also a blueprint for future leaders in renewable energy. He concluded the interview with a powerful call to action: “Let us not just dream of a sustainable future—let us build it, brick by brick, through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment.”
As Kenya continues to chart its course in the green revolution, the leadership of trailblazers like Kinyanjui and the achievements of Plexus Energy illuminate a path that others can follow. The green economy is no longer a vision; it is an evolving reality where entrepreneurs, governments, and communities must unite to power a future that is not only bright, but sustainable for generations to come.
In a nutshell, Kinyanjui’s journey in building Plexus Energy to being a beacon of green revolution stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, resilience, and innovation. His ability to adapt and navigate the challenges of Kenya’s renewable energy market has not only positioned Plexus Energy as a leader in the clean energy, but also paved the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. Kinyanjui’s focus on tailored solutions, community empowerment, and collaboration with stakeholders underscores the importance of unified approach to addressing challenges, entrepreneurship 101.
As Kenya, and the broader East African region embrace renewable energy as an essential pillar of development, the examples set by Plexus Energy serve as an innovation for more entrepreneurs to be innovative, and contribute to the growing green economy. The work of Kinyanjui and Plexus Energy shows us the dream of a sustainable future that is within reach, if we work together, remain committed, and continue to lead with purpose.
Edward Kinyanjui at a glance
Edward Kinyanjui is a bibliophile who takes great pride in reading autobiographies, as they offer valuable insights into people’s mindsets and how those mindsets have shaped the world as we know it. One of the books that he read recently is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike.
Marital status: Married to one wife and has four children.
Favorite cuisine: Nyamachoma
Current Car: Drives a Mitsubishi Pajero, but aspires to own a Land Cruiser VX.
