Inspiring graduates: introducing Nelius Maina

“Don’t be afraid to start small, but don’t stay there. Stay curious to avoid stagnation, set clear goals for yourself, and know when it’s time to level up once a goal is achieved. Growth in this field comes with persistence, a willingness to learn, and being intentional about your journey.” – NM

These are the words of Nelius Maina, a MSc in Sustainable Energy and Energy Access graduate from Moi University, Kenya and a recipient of the REED/TEA-LP scholarship. She has just landed a job as Technical Customer Executive at Nexus Green Ltd, Uganda, a company that specialises in designing, installing, and maintaining solar power systems across East Africa. We got the chance to connect with Nelius, and it was a breath of fresh air – she is smart, determined, passionate about a sustainable future and had some quality insights and experiences to share.

Nelius graduated in March this year and shared that she saw the MSc course as an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gaps between her undergraduate qualification as a solar engineer and her accreditation as a licensed T3 solar technician with renewable energy more broadly. She explained that; “Throughout the course, I gained in-depth knowledge of renewable energy technologies including solar energy, wind power, small hydro, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy systems…The knowledge, resources, and mentorship I gained from the course continue to guide and inspire me as I work toward making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.”

She went on to share about an exciting exchange experience; “A significant highlight of my academic journey was the opportunity to attend Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) for my second semester, through a partnership between Moi University and NORPART. At NMBU, I advanced my skills in solar energy systems, decentralized energy solutions, resource recovery, and data analysis. This international experience offered a unique perspective—allowing me to compare the performance and design of solar systems in two contrasting regions: Kenya, located near the equator, and Norway, situated in the polar region.”

Nelius’s research focused on evaluating the technical performance of the largest grid connected solar PV installation in East and Central Africa, the 54.6 MW Garissa solar power plant in Kenya. Through in-depth analysis of technical data from this utility-scale power plant, she gained valuable insights into the operational dynamics of solar PV systems. This research, coupled with field experience steered her path. She explained; “My research laid a solid foundation for a career focused on solar PV system performance, operation & maintenance and solar system optimization. With this, I landed a job at Nexus Green Ltd Uganda, where I was brought on board at a time when a 198 kWp solar PV system was seriously underperforming. Just two months after I came on board, I was able to apply the skills I’d gained to bring the system back to peak performance. I also put in place maintenance strategies that are still working well today.”

She shared a bit more about her new role; “What I enjoy most in my current role is the satisfaction that comes from optimising a solar system and helping clients truly see and understand the benefits of the technology installed at their premises. Seeing a system perform at its best and knowing I played a role in that success is incredibly fulfilling. On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges is working in a male-dominated field, particularly in a context where women often have less representation and fewer opportunities for mentorship or leadership. As the only female engineer in my department, I sometimes find it difficult to have my voice heard or my input fully considered. There are times when I see potential issues early on that could be addressed through better collaboration, but unfortunately, they’re only acted upon at a later stage, often when the problem has already grown. Despite this, I continue to show up, speak up, and focus on the value I bring to the team, hoping to pave the way for more inclusive and collaborative environments.”

When I asked Nelius about how she overcomes challenges in the workplace, I was truly stunned at the wisdom in her answer. She said; “I make sure to back my ideas with solid data and well-reasoned arguments. Over time, this has helped me build credibility among my colleagues, making it easier for my voice to be heard. I also continually improve my technical knowledge and skills, ensuring I can confidently contribute to any discussion or decision-making process. I also remind myself regularly that change doesn’t happen overnight. While there are times when I face resistance, I remain persistent in sharing my ideas and contributing to solutions. I also take time to reflect on my achievements and the positive impacts I’ve made, which keeps me motivated to push forward.”

Nelius shared a few more insights; “Being a woman in the energy sector is both exciting and challenging. On the academic side, there are many opportunities for growth, and with dedication and determination, it’s possible to overcome most hurdles. However, advancing professionally, especially in technical engineering roles, can be a different story. In the field, it’s not uncommon to see men being favoured for certain roles, often based on outdated perceptions rather than capability. This makes it tougher for women to climb the professional ladder, even when they are equally, if not more, qualified. We look forward to the day when gender no longer influences opportunities, and both men and women are given equal chances to grow, lead, and thrive in the energy industry.”

Nelius has set some clear career goals for a PhD in Sustainable Energy and dreams of a future consultancy firm or tech company. With her determination and dedication, we have absolutely no doubt that she will achieve these. Congratulations on your recent graduation and new job opportunity, Nelius. It is such an exciting time for you, and we look forward to following your career journey. You can reach out to Nelius at neliusmaina24@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

– Written by Andrea Fitzpatrick