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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa is an international civil society organization working to transform markets and make supply chains more sustainable and inclusive. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, implements programmes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Solidaridad works with farmers, private sector actors, governments, and development partners to promote climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, food security, and inclusive economic development. Through innovative partnerships and practical field solutions, Solidaridad supports smallholder farmers to improve productivity, resilience, and market access.
Solidaridad is currently implementing the Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project, which aims to improve resilience, yields, income and service access for small scale food producers with a focus on women and youth, by helping them adopt climate smart agriculture (CSA) and strengthening market connections, emphasizing gender and social inclusion.
Under this project, Solidaridad seeks to procure, supply, install, and commission 19 solar-powered irrigation kits for selected farmer groups in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project aims to enhance resilience, improve food production, and strengthen adaptive capacities among smallholder farmers in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project promotes climate-smart agriculture through rainwater harvesting, sustainable water management, renewable energy technologies, and efficient irrigation systems.
To support year-round agricultural production and improve access to water for irrigation, Solidaridad intends to facilitate the installation of nineteen (19) solar-powered irrigation kits for selected farmer groups and lead farmers across the project implementation areas.
The intervention is expected to improve agricultural productivity, increase household incomes, promote water-use efficiency, and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered irrigation systems.
3.0 ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE
3.1 Overall Objective
The overall objective of this assignment is to supply, install, test, commission, and train beneficiaries on the operation and maintenance of nineteen (19) complete solar-powered irrigation kits in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.
3.2 Specific Objectives
The assignment specifically seeks to:
Supply and install complete Dayliff 3,000 l/hr solar-powered irrigation systems in identified project sites.
Enhance access to efficient and the productive use of climate-smart irrigation technologies among beneficiary farmers.
Capacity build for lead farmers and beneficiaries on system operation, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Improve water-use efficiency and support year-round crop production.
Strengthen resilience of farming systems through adoption of renewable energy technologies.
4.0 SCOPE OF WORK
The successful consultant/firm shall undertake the following tasks:
4.1 Supply and Installation
Supply, transport, install, test, and commission nineteen (19) complete solar-powered irrigation kits comprising the following minimum specifications:
Solar Irrigation Kit Components
50m head submersible Dayliff solar water pump of 1.1 HP capacity (with dry run protection) and 40mm (1.25”) outlet, 50m electric cable and 4mm nylon suspension rope.
1100 watts (2*550W) solar panels with metallic mounting.
Solar controller compatible with the pump system.
Drip irrigation system covering approximately ¼ acre including 16mm drip lines and all necessary accessories including take-off tap valve connection style.
2,000-litre water storage PVC tank mounted at least five (5) feet above ground level on a stable support structure.
Associated fittings, connectors, valves, piping, cabling, and mounting accessories necessary for complete functionality.
System protection and safety components including grounding and surge protection where applicable.
4.2 Installation Requirements
The consultant/firm shall:
Conduct site assessments prior to installation.
Ensure proper positioning and orientation of solar panels for maximum efficiency.
Supply, construct stable elevated support structures and mount storage tanks.
Ensure all installations comply with acceptable engineering and safety standards.
Test all installed systems before handover.
Rectify any defects identified during commissioning.
4.3 Training and Capacity Building
The consultant/firm shall provide practical training to beneficiaries including:
System operation and controller usage.
Preventive maintenance procedures.
Water management practices.
Basic troubleshooting and repair.
Safety procedures during operation.
At least one lead farmer per site shall receive detailed operational training.
5.0 DISTRIBUTION OF INSTALLATIONS
The nineteen (19) solar-powered irrigation kits shall be distributed as follows:
County
Number of Kits
Makueni County
7
Taita Taveta County
6
Kwale County
6
Total
19
Specific beneficiary locations and GPS coordinates shall be provided by Solidaridad upon contract award.
6.0 DELIVERABLES
The consultant/firm shall deliver the following:
Inception report and implementation work plan.
Site assessment report for all installation sites.
Supply and installation of 19 complete solar irrigation kits.
Training reports including attendance lists and training materials.
Testing and commissioning report for all systems.
Final assignment completion report in both Word and PDF formats.
Warranty documentation for all supplied equipment.
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
The assignment shall be completed within ninety (90) calendar days including weekends from the date of contract signing.
Proposed Activity Schedule
Activity
Timeline
Responsibility
Contract signing and kickoff meeting
Day 1
Solidaridad & Consultant
Submission of inception report and work plan
Day 7
Consultant
Site assessments and verification
Day 8 – Day 15
Consultant
Approval of implementation schedule
Day 16 – Day 18
Solidaridad
Procurement and mobilization of materials
Day 19 – Day 35
Consultant
Installation in Makueni County
Day 36 – Day 50
Consultant
Installation in Taita Taveta County
Day 36 – Day 50
Consultant
Installation in Kwale County
Day 36 – Day 50
Consultant
Training of beneficiaries
Day 36 – Day 50
Consultant
Testing and commissioning
Day 50 – Day 60
Consultant & Solidaridad
Submission of draft final report
Day 65
Consultant
Review and feedback by Solidaridad
Day 65 – Day 70
Solidaridad
Submission of final report
Day 75
Consultant
*The dates can be adjusted as needs arise. However, the timelines will not exceed the indicated 90 days.
8.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOLIDARIDAD
Solidaridad shall:
Provide overall coordination and supervision of the assignment.
Facilitate linkage with beneficiary groups and local stakeholders.
Provide approved beneficiary lists and installation locations.
Review and approve reports and deliverables submitted by the consultant.
Facilitate TEC approval processes where applicable.
9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT/FIRM
The consultant/firm shall:
Provide all materials, tools, equipment, transport, and labour necessary for implementation.
Ensure all supplied materials meet required quality standards.
Observe occupational health and safety standards during implementation.
Obtain all necessary statutory approvals and permits where applicable.
Ensure timely implementation of activities within agreed timelines.
Provide after-installation support during the warranty period.
10.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Interested firms/consultants should demonstrate the following:
Proven experience in supply and installation of solar-powered irrigation systems.
Experience working with community-based agricultural projects.
Technical expertise in solar energy and irrigation systems.
At least three (3) references for similar assignments completed within the last five years.
Relevant statutory registration and certifications.
Availability of qualified technical personnel.
11.0 REPORTING AND COORDINATION
The consultant shall work under the direct supervision of Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa project team.
All reports and communication shall be submitted to:
Attn: Managing Director
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre
Europa Towers, 5th Floor, Lantana Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
P.O. Box 42234 – 00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya
Email submissions and official correspondence shall be directed to:
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Contact Page
How to apply
12.0 APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested consultants with good experience on undertaking similar assignments in the food security and biodiversity sector should submit their application, including a technical and financial proposal, to [email protected] by close of business on 01/07/2026 with subject line: AN Project: Solar-Powered Irrigation kits.
13.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The proposal shall include:
i. Company profile including relevant experience.
ii. Technical approach and methodology.
iii. Detailed implementation work plan.
iv. Financial proposal inclusive of all applicable taxes.
v. Specifications/catalogues of proposed materials and equipment.
vi. Proposed training methodology and materials.
vii. CVs of key technical personnel.
viii. Evidence of similar assignments undertaken.
The financial proposal must be in Euros (EUR). Any application in other currencies will not be considered.
____________________________________________________________________________________
14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY
The consultant/firm shall treat all project information and documents obtained during the assignment as confidential and shall not disclose them without prior written approval from Solidaridad
Note: Due to the volume of applications we will only contact the successful applicant.