Saumu Ismail

Saumu Ismail is a renewable energy expert with a strong focus on DRE and climate resilience initiatives. Her experience spans program management, energy access analytics, climate entrepreneurship, stakeholder management and the implementation of donor-funded off-grid energy and climate projects.

Prior to joining CLASP, she served as the Program Manager-Renewables at the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), where she led renewable energy initiatives across East Africa, including the Distributed Renewable Energy Ecosystem Model (DREEM) and the PUSE in Agriculture pilot program. She also worked as an Energy Access Analyst at Mercy Corps’ Energy 4 Impact, supporting ECAP, PREO and scaling energy business models in emerging markets across Africa.

Saumu is a passionate advocate for Women in STEM and community livelihood impact. In 2023/2024, she served as a mentor in the GWNET’s Women in Clean Cooking program, wining the 2023 Power Gaga Award.

Saumu holds a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Technology and Management from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Renewables and Sustainable Energy Transition at Heriot-Watt University, supported by the Enable Scholarship.

Outside of work, Saumu enjoys crocheting, cooking, adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures and dancing. A former stage theatre performer, she is a champion of Kenya’s creative arts and film industry and supports young talent development.