The energy sector has marked a major milestone as 16 counties are finalizing their County Energy Plans (CEPs).
According to Eng. Isaac Kiva, the Secretary Renewable at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the completion of the CEPs is critical because they form the core components of the Integrated National Energy Plan (INEP) as espoused in the Energy Act (2019).
Eng. Kiva was speaking in Nairobi, during at Close Out Conference for the EU-funded the Sustainable Energy Technical Assistance (SETA) project.
The project which has come to an end after three and half years, supported 16 counties to develop their CEP. The total funding for SETA was 4-million Euros. The funding was mainly technical support. However, about 25 counties are yet to start their CEPs, it was revealed at the conference. It is projected that it costs around Kshs 11 million to develop CEP for one county.
While appealing for partner support towards the enabling the remaining counties to develop their CEPs, Eng. Kiva also challenged counties to commit resources to finalize their CEPs so that Kenya can have consolidated INEP for rollout. “We cannot have an INEP that excludes other counties. The INEP is supposed to be all inclusive. Leaving no one behind. So, you can see, we still have some work to be done,” said Eng. Kiva.
The energy plans map out their energy mix- sources and utilization. They will also form a solid basis for investment and intervention.
The Council of Governors, represented by Rosemary Rop, reckoned that the intense process of developing CEPs has revealed latent opportunities in in non-tradition energies renewable energy solutions, liquid biofuels, and the pathways to provide energy access to marginalized areas. Counties, she reckoned are appreciating that energy is a key enabler that supports diverse sectors such as agriculture, water, health, nutrition among others.
Eng. Kiva noted that reality of the energy portfolio is expanding and now the government is keen on e-mobility and e-cooking that will not only expand the energy eco-system; it offers umpteen opportunities for employment, investment and improved lifestyles, once fully rolled out.
The Director of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Dan Marangu, said: “This is a strategic journey towards achieving Sustainable Energy for All by 2030 under the SE4All framework. Ultimately, we are looking at universal access to clean, reliable, affordable energy.”
The most critical bit is that the mapping takes note of the fact that the energies are indigenous and therefore competitive for the economy.
Elizabeth Muchiri, the Director, Global LPG Partnership, told the SETA conference that only 6 % of rural Kenya uses LPG while the national average is 26 %. “Though Kenya is among the countries with high LPG uses, a lot need to be done to stimulate uptake. We need regulations that support safety, affordability, and accessibility. That is one of the efforts that the County Energy Plans is strongly proposing going forward.”
Martin Andersen, Head of Infrastructure & Energy, European Delegation in Kenya, lauded the country for the robust green grid that is about 90% renewable. He explained that the end of SETA is an impressive milestone. It is what most countries of the world dream off. We are proud of Kenya, and we will support the country towards 100 % green grid.
Andersen, said that there are other interesting emerging areas that the EU is supporting Kenya like on green hydrogen which is set to create more jobs.
Andersen reaffirmed EU’s commitment to support Kenya’s “Green Resilient Electricity System” that will strengthen transmission and stimuate development of green enegy.
Meanwhile, Eng. Kiva noted that time is also ripe to review energy policy which will focus on 11 thematic areas. The reviewed policy, he noted, is aspired to be a sessional paper like that of 2004 to give it strong anchorage in law.
Lately, the Kenya energy space has been vibrant. Ambitious plans are set for just energy transition, and universal access to electricity by 2030. It is also envisaged that the country will attain modern clean cooking by 2028 and achieve Net Zero by 2050.