Gaspar Makale

KSTF, the first dedicated training centre for solar energy technology in the African Great Lakes, was founded by Oswald Kasazi in 1993.

During the following decade KSTF gave regular three-week-long training courses which were attended by people from all over the African Great Lakes region (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda), as well as from further afield.

The courses were held in partnership with Alternative Energy Africa (EAA), run by Mark Hankins[2] and Daniel Kithokoi,[3] who were based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Makale managed the practical sessions as well as arranging for the field-trips during which course participants installed solar electric domestic systems in the Karagwe district.

Makale also worked closely with Harold Burris of Solar Shamba,[3] one of the first people to see the potential of solar electricity in the African Great Lakes, and with Frank Jackson[6] from APSO (the Irish state overseas development agency), who worked at KSTF during the 1990s.

Makale (right, in hat) teaching a solar workshop in Kigoma, Tanzania, May 2005.
Solar training course at the KARADEA Solar Training Facility (KSTF), 1996, Makale (front row, first on right), Daniel Kithokoi (back row, first on right) Mark Hankins (back row, first on left)