The day is marked every 3rd Saturday of September. This day has been celebrated in Kenya since 1996. Focus for the day is renewable energy such as biomass (wood and plant based material), hydropower, wind power, geothermal, tidal energy, solar thermal and solar photo voltaics. Renewable energy provides cheap alternative energy which does not degrade the environment. Its use may minimize increase in carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuel, displacement of people to build hydropower dams etc. Activities to mark this day are usually held at the Nairobi Arboretum.
Suggested activities
- Prepare posters to demonstrate various forms of renewable energy and how they are used
- Prepare poems, songs and drama on solar energy
- Visit a waste-recycling place and enquire how they convert solid waste into useful fuel
- Visit any renewable energy enterprise and learn more about energy
- If possible attend (or initiate ) the local Solar Day celebrations (Similar to the one at Nairobi Arboretum)
- Initiate waste reduction, reuse and recycling within the school and the community
- Invite an expert to discuss about solar energy; how it is harnessed; merits and demerits; what hinders its widespread use etc.
- Discuss the various ways by which traditional and modern lifestyles have relied on various types of renewable energy
- Write an essay or summary notes on how you celebrated the National Solar Day. Publicise your success on this blog.
For further information, contact:
Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (http://www.energy.go.ke)
Friends of Nairobi Arboretum (FONA) (http://www.naturekenya.org/content/friends-nairobi-arboretum)
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