Current employment and workplace

Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, State Department for Energy, Renewable Energy Directorate.

How did I become interested in my field of research?

After a long service in the renewable energy field, I was curious to understand the interphase between research and policy

What am I most passionate about in my work?

Coordinating programmes and projects that deliver clean energy solutions to communities at the grassroots.

In the long term, what impact can my research have on society?

Communities who live far away from the grid could get access to electricity through decentralised small wind systems.

What made the strongest impression on you during my PhD defense?

They should give it their best shot. Nothing is done until it is done.

What piece of advice would you offer current PhD fellows who want a career outside academia?

The public service in Kenya offers many opportunities for training, developing skills and exposure. It opens up the mind and enables interaction with other development sectors. A tertiary degree certainly offers advantage over second degree. It is worth the pain and the output is respected.

A little bit about the person behind the researcher?

I like to see my energy translated into reality on the ground. I have acquired a long-time experience in developing policy and implementing renewable energy solutions for close to four decades. The energy field has been an exciting journey and while I knew very little about it I have discovered that it is very broad and there are many issues to study and discover depending on where your passion lies.

LinkedIn Faith Wandera