A Kenyan company, Barefoot Power, is among the finalists for the 2012 Ashden Award — the world’s leading green energy prize.

The company has been selected alongside seven other organisations from India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Peru and Afghanistan to compete for the £120,000 ($180,000) prize money in recognition of its effort to provide power to Kenyans with limited or no access to grid power.

The company has rolled out a wide range of solar power products across Africa, from single desk lamps to complete kits for use by community homes, clinics and schools.

Linking up with microfinance organisations, Barefoot has sold more than 300,000 lanterns and lighting kits to the rural poor in across the continent. Winners of the award will be announced at a ceremony in London on May 30.

The Ashden Awards were founded in 2001 to encourage the greater use of sustainable energy to address climate change and alleviate poverty.

Since then award winners have improved the lives of 33 million people worldwide, saving over four million tonnes of carbon (IV) oxide (carbon dioxide) every year.