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Background

The origin of the Halisi Trolley traces back to the experiences of Llyord Mwaniki, Nyangarisa Mose and Benson Kibiti during their time at Daystar University in Kenya. Faced with the challenge of a limited monthly stipend, the team relied heavily on affordable street food for sustenance. This first-hand experience drew their attention to the difficulties faced by food vendors, particularly in terms of using solid fuels. The team conducted a study with street food vendors in Nairobi in 2018, identifying problems related to charcoal usage and its associated costs and health risks. In 2019, the team reunited at a UN conference in Nairobi, which placed a significant emphasis on the SDGs. This conference catalyzed the founding of Zuhura Solutions, a social impact company with a mission inspired by "Zuhura," the Swahili word for the planet Venus – the brightest planet in the solar system.

Approach

The Halisi Trolleys are solar-powered food vending carts designed to replace traditional charcoal-fueled carts. They feature solar panels that convert solar energy into heat, which is then stored in a lithium battery. This system efficiently and safely warms food for over 12 hours. Surplus energy is used to power LED lights and charge mobile phones. Additionally, the trolley includes a bioethanol cooker, enabling vendors to boil and fry various foods according to customer requests. To enhance affordability and accessibility, the Halisi Trolleys are leased on a pay-as-you-go basis using the M-PESA mobile money transfer service. This technology not only improves the functionality of the trolley but also provides real-time data for seamless operations, proactive maintenance and continuous service improvement. An integrated GPS module also tracks the live location of the cart, ensuring security and operational efficiency.

Environmental Impact

By replacing charcoal and other solid fuels with solar and bioethanol energy sources, the Halisi Trolleys reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, which are typical byproducts of burning charcoal. Traditional charcoal production is a major driver of deforestation, as trees are cut down to produce charcoal. By eliminating the need for charcoal, the Halisi Trolleys help to preserve forests, allowing them to continue supporting biodiversity, moderating climates and absorbing carbon dioxide.

Success Factors

The success of the Halisi Trolleys can be attributed to the innovative leadership of the founding team, which effectively utilized solar technology and integrated the M-PESA digital payment platform. This integration, along with flexible financing models like pay-as-you-go, has made the trolleys accessible to vendors with limited incomes, broadening their user base. Participation in accelerator programs and strategic partnerships has also been crucial, providing the mentorship and funding needed to scale the initiative and expand its impact. Furthermore, the development of the Halisi Trolleys has been deeply informed by the needs and feedback of street food vendors. By focusing on the practical realities of their daily operations, Zuhura Solutions has ensured that the trolleys not only meet but exceed the needs of their users, significantly enhancing their adoption and effectiveness.

Evidence

Zuhura Solutions monthly reports from street food vendors using the Halisi Trolleys show increased earnings due to lower fuel costs and higher efficiency. The affordability of the PAYGo model has allowed vendors with limited initial capital to access the trolleys, thus broadening their economic opportunities and reducing poverty. Surveys and feedback from users and community members consistently show high satisfaction rates.

Evolution

The initiative's approach has evolved to include flexible financial models, such as lease-to-operate and pay-as-you-go options, to make the Halisi Trolleys more accessible to vendors who cannot afford upfront costs. This shift addresses the challenge of affordability and aims to reach a broader audience. Additionally, the team is exploring new business models, such as advertising, to enhance the trolley's functionality and increase its impact.

Challenges

Securing adequate funding remains a significant challenge for the social enterprise. Both initial capital and ongoing financial support are essential for scaling up the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of the Halisi Trolleys. Additionally, building market trust and awareness in regions where traditional cooking methods are deeply ingrained poses a significant challenge. Overcoming cultural preferences and demonstrating the value and reliability of the Halisi Trolleys to new users requires effective outreach and education strategies. Without sufficient financial backing and successful market penetration strategies, the ability to produce and distribute the trolleys is constrained.