Evans Wadongo is a multiple award-winning Kenyan engineer and innovator, known for his exceptional contribution to electricity generation in his country through the production of LED lamps (MwangaBora – “good light”) at the age of 19. He was also recognised as one of CNN’s top ten heroes in 2010. His technology is improving the lives of the people in his country, as well as other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Growing up, Wadongo depended on the poor light from kerosene lamps to read and decided he was going to incite change in this sector. Soon after he discovered the adverse effects of kerosene on both humans and the environment, he was driven to find ways to provide cleaner solutions for everyone.
Wadongo is a graduate of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and is currently the co-founder of GreenWize Energy, a company focused on renewable energy products and solutions. He is also the founder of the award-winning non-governmental organisation, Sustainable Development for All. His personal collection of awards include the Mikhail Gorbachev Award for “The Man Who Changed the World” as well as Esquire Magazine’s one of the 20 Men Who Will Shape the Next 20 Years.
Photo Credit: SDFA Kenya