Simu ya Solar, which also comes with a conventional charger, will be retailing at all Safaricom shops countrywide at a price of KSh 2, 999 (about $40).

Speaking during the launch of the phone, Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Michael Joseph said the company has always been keen on embracing business processes and products that are environmentally-conscious.

“Solar power is definitely the way to go as it is cheap, green and renewable. This solar charged phone will come in handy particularly in the rural parts without grid electricity and even urban areas, for those who are keen on saving on phone maintenance costs,” he said.

“Our subscribers will not have to take their phones to merchants for charging and wait all day for their handsets to charge in order to make calls. They can now talk all day and night without worrying about the level of charge and charging costs.”

The launch of Simu ya Solar underpins Safaricom’s credentials as a green and environmentally-sensitive company in all facets of its operations. Safaricom already has over 60 Base Transmission Stations (BTSs) that are operating on renewable energy sources – wind and solar-driven turbines in various parts of the country.

Safaricom House, the firm’s head office, is also fitted with motion-sensitive light bulbs to minimize the use of electricity within the office environment.

Environment Minister John Michuki of Kenya, who presided at the event, said going forward, sustainable companies would be those that do not just look at bottom line but also the impact of their activities on the environment in which they do business.

“Businesses will have to take due consideration of the environment and issues such as renewable energy, carbon dioxide emissions and climate change in order to remain sustainable,” he said.

The minister urged Kenyans to support initiatives such as tree planting to increase forest cover and slow down climate change and its disruptive effects
on lives.