Supply, Installation, and Training on operation and maintenance of Solar-Powered Irrigation Kits For Acting Now for Food Security

**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 Objective**s

The assignment specifically seeks to:

1. Supply and install complete Dayliff 3,000 l/hr solar-powered irrigation systems in identified project sites.
2. Enhance access to efficient and the productive use of climate-smart irrigation technologies among beneficiary farmers.
3. Capacity build for lead farmers and beneficiaries on system operation, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
4. Improve water-use efficiency and support year-round crop production.
5. 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**

1. 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.
2. 1100 watts (2\*550W) solar panels with metallic mounting.
3. Solar controller compatible with the pump system.
4. Drip irrigation system covering approximately ¼ acre including 16mm drip lines and all necessary accessories including take-off tap valve connection style.
5. 2,000-litre water storage PVC tank mounted at least five (5) feet above ground level on a stable support structure.
6. Associated fittings, connectors, valves, piping, cabling, and mounting accessories necessary for complete functionality.
7. System protection and safety components including grounding and surge protection where applicable.

**4.2 Installation Requirements**

The consultant/firm shall:

1. Conduct site assessments prior to installation.
2. Ensure proper positioning and orientation of solar panels for maximum efficiency.
3. Supply, construct stable elevated support structures and mount storage tanks.
4. Ensure all installations comply with acceptable engineering and safety standards.
5. Test all installed systems before handover.
6. Rectify any defects identified during commissioning.

**4.3 Training and Capacity Building**

The consultant/firm shall provide practical training to beneficiaries including:

1. System operation and controller usage.
2. Preventive maintenance procedures.
3. Water management practices.
4. Basic troubleshooting and repair.
5.