The Power of Love

 Haron

Haron, the Electrical Technician at Loisaba, submitted his blog with a very modest introduction: “This is how I earn my cheque,” he said, as if it was quite an ordinary job. In truth Haron is Loisaba’s electricity wizard and keeps everyone supplied with water, fuel and energy. Loisaba Conservancy is self-sufficient in electricity and that is largely thanks to him and his solar-powered system.

“With the power generated from the inverters we are able to run the extensive vehicle workshop which utilises energy-hungry welding equipment, a borehole for clean water, a biogas digester, and numerous electrical systems within Loisaba Community,” he explains.

“The solar-electricity system was supplied by Across Boundary, a South African based company and comprises 150 solar panels covering a relatively small area of 75 metres x 6 metres. Each panel is rated at 300 watts. There are two grid inverters with six off-grid inverters rated at 10,000 watts each. This is plenty for our needs and there is a back-up generator when all else fails.” 

Meanwhile the bio-digester, with its endless, gurgling appetite for plant matter and cow dung, can convert enough gas in 24-36 hours to fill seven storage balloons supplying 19 hours’ worth of fuel. This is sufficient to keep the anti-poaching team supplied with gas with which to cook and heat their quarters for well over a week. The advantage of this system is that it provides an environmentally-friendly use for the dreaded Opuntia Cactus, an invasive non-indigenous cactus which is being eradicated at Loisaba. However, the machine has not always been reliable and takes a lot of manpower.

Originating from Kisii County, Haron moved further north in Uasin Gishu in Rift Valley Province with his parents, two sisters and two brothers. He’s now married to Joan, an Information Science graduate, and has a beautiful daughter, Jonelle. He first qualified as a teacher but his fascination with electrical engineering led him to Moi University where he graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He then worked in various East African countries, including South Sudan where he was a Head Technician working with grid and solar power. After that he joined Shockwave Engineering, a South African company at the forefront of farming technological development or ‘smart’ farming. Amongst other projects, he and his colleagues installed a mega solar plant at Juba University in South Sudan.  

Haron joined Loisaba Conservancy in September 2018, attracted by the arid climate and natural habitat and the chance to discover more about submersible pumps! During the dry season water can become a major issue, and now there are five solar-powered water pumps in action across the conservancy with another powered by electricity at Headquarters. 

“Loisaba as a place to work is ideal for me. I am an admirer of Africanicity, our original culture, and African heritage. Loisaba has all kinds of people working for it and I love getting to know them and their backgrounds. I would also like to study more about the wildlife – the big cats and different species of zebra.” Haron is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rhino that Tom hopes to bring into the conservancy. In his off time, he loves to play football and is a keen Arsenal fan, he also likes to watch the National Geographic Channel and to listen to music.