I think I met a future president of Kenya today.

Although still in primary school, these children spoke with charisma, intellect, charm and the composure of leaders. It was a project coordinated by Kisumu Library, working with surrounding schools to increase confidence in public speaking skills, whilst engaging children in politics and current affairs. Schools were arranged into different political parties, they received some guidance and held regular debates in which they voted for ministers and leaders of their party. Next week, they will be voting for their president of Kenya. 

Many people complain that the overcrowded education system in Kenya only educates students by rote, precluding opportunities for creativity and free-thinking. This project is an excellent example of an initiative that promotes just that, and is bringing kids together, engaging them on important issues whilst promoting independent thought. And another reason to love your local library. I left inspired. 

On Tuesday, we put up this wind turbine. It’s attached to our workshop where we make them. It’s not an ideal spot for a wind turbine, but here, we can monitor the functioning of the different components. This morning, I took at battery reading and was pleased to see it was fully charged over night.

I can’t say I was overwhelmed with excitement about this photo session. Jua Kali translates as ‘hot sun’, and the afternoon lived up to that name.

I’m helping put together a tasteful calendar of Jua Kali artisans to help raise money for a training programme which will help train artisans to build small-scale renewable energy technologies. We think it’s an exciting idea. If you would like to buy a calendar, head over to indiegogo.com/accessenergy - hit contribute and choose the calendar. 

A classic from the world music circuit, music from Kenyan musician Ayub Ogada, who is rumoured to be living in the same town as me.

Scenes from Kisumu’s Jua Kali district. My new office. These photos were taken one afternoon with my fellow colleague Allan, as we explored the streets, looking for a new workshop space.