(Nakuru) – Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access by 2030. Speaking during a tree-planting exercise in Koibatek Forest, which spans Nakuru and Baringo counties, Wandayi highlighted the government’s ambitious energy and environmental goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy by the same year.
To support this vision, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has allocated KSh 42 billion this year for electricity connections nationwide. Currently, Kenya boasts a 100% electricity access rate in urban areas and 65% in rural regions, with total energy generation capacity standing at 2,150 MW. Public-private partnerships are expected to drive further growth, with the country targeting 3 Gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2050.
Kenya’s renewable energy portfolio is already impressive, with 90% of its power sourced from renewables: 45% from geothermal, 19% from hydropower, 17% from solar, and 3% from wind. This energy mix not only positions Kenya as a regional leader but also a global model for integrating renewable energy with grid flexibility.
The country’s progress has earned it a place in the International Energy Agency (IEA) association, a group of 13 nations committed to advancing sustainable energy. Wandayi noted that Kenya’s inclusion reflects its dedication to becoming a global green energy leader, despite its developing status.
During his remarks, Wandayi emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. He shared data from the UN showing a 1.2% rise in global greenhouse gas emissions between 2021 and 2022. “This crisis is not a distant threat. It is here and now, affecting nations indiscriminately,” he said.
Kenya’s energy and climate initiatives were prominently featured at the recently concluded COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. On the sidelines of the event, Kenya hosted the Powerelec Kenya 2024 conference, a gathering of stakeholders focused on renewable energy storage and electrical industries in Africa.
Tree planting is also central to Kenya’s green strategy. Wandayi revealed that the Energy Ministry has rehabilitated 1,593 hectares of water catchment areas, planting 3.6 million trees with an 80% survival rate. In Koibatek Forest, 10,000 trees have already been planted, with a goal of 50,000 seedlings by January 2024.
The Ministry’s efforts aim to meet a target of planting 5.3 million trees annually by partnering with communities. Wandayi stressed the importance of forests in supporting water resources, which are essential for geothermal and hydropower energy production.
Kenya’s ambitious goals include tripling renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency, and significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels by 2030. These efforts align with global climate commitments to limit temperature rises to 1.5°C.
The Cabinet Secretary also responded to criticism from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who accused the government of misinformation. Wandayi urged the clergy to focus on facts, emphasizing the need for unity among leaders in addressing national issues.
Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, who joined Wandayi during the event, advocated for planting fruit trees in schools. She argued that fruit trees are less likely to be cut down for timber or charcoal and would improve children’s nutrition while greening school environments.
“The children in public schools rarely eat fruits. Planting fruit trees will not only address this issue but also ensure that our schools are lush and productive within a few years,” Donya said.
Key Highlights of Kenya’s Energy and Environmental Plan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Electricity Access | 100% in urban areas, 65% in rural areas, targeting full nationwide coverage by 2030 |
| Renewable Energy Contribution | 45% geothermal, 19% hydropower, 17% solar, 3% wind |
| Tree Planting Initiative | 3.6 million trees planted, with an 80% survival rate; 10,000 trees in Koibatek Forest and a target of 50,000 by January 2024 |
| Energy Capacity Goals | Expand renewable capacity from 3 Gigawatts to 100 Gigawatts by 2050 |
| Green Energy Events | Hosted Powerelec Kenya 2024 conference focused on renewable energy storage and electrical industries |