Working in the the oil and gas industry in Kenya not only exposed Raymond Maiyo to the negative effects of emissions, pollution and environmental degradation but also ignited a burning desire within him to become part of the solution.
Green future mentality
At that time, an inquisitive Raymond would flip through many newspapers and read articles that made him become very optimistic about a green future full of alternative and eco-friendly sources of energy.
He explains: “At the time, the business I was running was a software tech company whose aim was to reduce fuel adulteration and losses at petrol stations, so we decided to pivot into the e-mobility space initially forming a company called Peer Charge.
“Our aim was to introduce a charging infrastructure network across Kenya and leverage the petrol station network that we were already used to and knew well. However, it became a bit of a challenge because e-mobility adoption in Kenya was still in its infancy.
Birth of Peer Carbon Earth
“So after speaking to some potential clients about transitioning, we realized there is an even bigger gap in the market where people would like to transition but lacked the capital for green transition.
“This prompted us to rebrand to Peer Carbon Earth in 2022. We now offer emissions assessment services, sustainability target setting and provide green transition for businesses to be able to access various green technologies. We are able to achieve all this through our in-house built flagship software.”
Peer Carbon Earth helps businesses to measure, manage as well as mitigate their carbon footprint through automated carbon accounting. The company also assists them to set sustainability goals through emission reduction targets while also providing them with green nancing and access to different green technologies that are vital in helping them meet their set targets.
“As the co-founder at Peer Carbon, I believe we are at the crossroads of climate, technology, and finance. Our mission is to drive climate intelligence, making emissions measurement, reduction as well as disclosure accessible to all. It is about marrying tech with finance to pave the way for a sustainable future.
“My commitment extends beyond business. I am here to inspire and to be inspired. Let us shape a world where climate action is not just a choice but a responsibility that we all share. I believe in the power of innovating for a sustainable future. My journey in the startup landscape has been a thrilling adventure, teaching me the art of creating solutions that tackle real world challenges head-on.”
A childhood of business ideas
Born in 1995 in the Nairobi capital city of Kenya, Raymond attended St. Paul Thomas Academy in Muranga before later proceeding to Moi High School Kabarak. While a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) degree he obtained at Strathmore University set him on an entrepreneurial path, Raymond said establishing his own business had always been a childhood dream.
“Having my own business is something that has always been on my mind since I was a child. I remember as kids how I would form an imaginary company as part of a game that we played together with my siblings. The company I would ‘form’ would always be a tech company so the passion has always been there.
“Later on, while I was at university, I had several ventures that would help me generate income. I embarked on these various events and ventures together with friends. I also got involved in a farming venture that saw me supplying capsicum fruits to Zuchini’s Grocery Store. However, forming and running Peer Carbon Earth has brought a lot of fulfillment because I am now doing something that I am very passionate about.”
Successes and overcoming challenges
Peer Carbon is growing from strength to strength and Raymond identifies their ability to secure notable clients from the financial sectors in Kenya and Rwanda as one their tangible successes.
“We have also successfully launched our schools to zero campaign, where we aim to help transition educational institutions to a low carbon economy by introducing them to various green technologies ranging from green construction, clean cooking, e-mobility and solar systems.”
However, like any other business, there have been some challenges. For Peer Carbon Earth, the major obstacle revolves around current perceptions regarding climate change.
“There is a lack of awareness by the market on how to go about the climate challenge and lack of understanding of the whole climate and sustainability concepts. We are overcoming these challenges by offering masterclasses and trying as much as possible to simplify these concepts from a business person’s point of view.”
An optimistic future
Peer Carbon Earth currently employs 11 people and Raymond anticipates this number will grow as they spread their wings to other countries on the African continent.
“Yes the room for expansion is definitely there. The growth will come as we expand our business to different geographies. Our goal is to become the flagship brand across the continent when it comes to reducing emissions and a green approach. Soon, we hope to launch and provide green products of our own. This idea is already in the pipeline.”
With Raymond at the helm, Peer Carbon is poised to soar even higher. They have already made a huge, positive difference in the fight for a greener environment by providing automating carbon accounting and streamlining access to green finance. Their platform helps SMEs lower their carbon footprints while enabling lenders to confidently offer sustainable loans with precise climate risk data.
Their commitment to driving a green transition makes them a vital cog within the wider context of preserving the environment not only in Kenya and Rwanda, but across the entire African continent.