Kenya roots for subsidy on energy efficient equipment and green sources

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has rooted for subsidy on the cost of energy efficient equipment alongside green energy sources like solar panels and biogas. 

Speaking while opening the International Energy Agency's 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Nairobi on behalf of President William Ruto, Mr Gachagua said subsidy will lower the cost of installation of green energy sources and efficient equipment, and accelerate mitigation of Climate Change.

The conference comes just in time as Kenya is championing towards the 100% green clean energy as per the COP28 commitment on zero carbon emissions. 

“As Kenya transitions to green energy, we are addressing the cost of production, while making power more reliable and more available. On this note, we need to urgently review and harmonise our policies to, among other ways, offer subsidy in the manufacture and installation of energy efficient equipment and other infrastructure," he said. 

The Deputy President on Wednesday said the country is marching forward in the pursuit of 100 percent clean energy with the support of the International Energy Agency (IEA), urging other countries to follow suit. 

“Our partnership with the International Energy Agency as an Association Member Country is pivotal in our commitment to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment,” said Mr Gachagua.

Kenya is the first country in Africa to host the Conference. 

“The support and technical assistance provided by the International Energy Agency will strengthen our capacity in data collection, policy planning, and drive toward our renewable energy agenda,” the DP added.

Kenya is among the only five African countries which are associate members of IEA. 

The DP thanked the Agency for Kenya’s admission promising the Government’s readiness to maximise on its capabilities to ensure efficient energy for socio-economic growth under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. 

“As Kenya transitions to green energy, we are addressing the cost of production, while making power more reliable and more available,” he said.

He said realization of the nation’s energy objectives called for support from all sectors of the economy.

“Going Green and Clean is not enough. We must establish and promote proficient and efficient energy systems in all sectors of our economy,” observed the DP.

With the nation’s commitment to planting and growing 15 billion trees by 2032 as its contribution to the call to Climate Action, the DP said agreements entered during the COP-28 last year must be fulfilled.  

“We call upon the international community to ensure resources- as committed during COP 28 and similar forums- are made available to, among other initiatives, fund innovations that promote Climate Action, in Kenya and Africa,” he said. 

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol were present.