Kenya plan to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 that, will among other things, place emphasis on marginalised communities, has received strong policy backing through the newly published National Energy Policy 2025 and draft National Petroleum Policy 2025.

However, the two policies must first undergo public participation before they are taken to parliament for review, amendment and enactment before they become law.

According the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum the two policies are intended to align the sectors to the best global practices to hasten economic growth. The ministry says the National Energy Policy 2025-2034 is expected to accelerate the country’s transition to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient energy future.

The policies are expected to lead the country to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy that drives national development, economic growth and climate resilience. According to a timeline provided by the Ministry of Energy, National Energy Policy will result in achievement of universal electricity access by 2030, focusing particularly on marginalised communities in rural and remote areas.

This will be realised through grid expansion, off-grid solutions and the integration of renewable energy technologies. The ambitious policy, if implemented, will provide universal access to clean cooking by 2030, reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels and promote cleaner, healthier alternatives.

The policy also seeks to harness Kenya’s vast renewable energy resources, including geothermal, solar, wind and bioenergy. It intends to expand Kenya’s renewable energy capacity and ensure that renewable sources contribute substantially to the national energy mix.

The policy will position the country as a leader in geothermal development, capitalising on its geographical advantage and renewable potential to enhance energy security, spur green industrialisation and contribute to global climate goals, the ministry says.

The policy will also ensure energy efficiency and sustainability through the promotion of energy-efficient appliances, supporting electric mobility and enhancing energy conservation. The policy highlights the importance of securing sustainable financing to meet the energy sector’s infrastructure needs by fostering public-private partnerships.

The integration of emerging technologies, such as smart grids and artificial intelligence, will further enhance energy system efficiency and service delivery. In line with the Paris Agreement, the policy aims to decarbonise the energy sector by 2050.

The policy promotes decentralised energy solutions like mini-grids and micro-grids and ensures equitable access to clean energy across the country.

Speaking during public participation forum for the six coastal counties at the Kenya School of Government, Mombasa campus, Secretary for Renewable Energy Engineer Isaac Kiva pointed out that the government is committed to universal access to electricity by 2030.

Engineer Kiva disclosed that the current electrification coverage stands at 75 per cent from both grid and off grid stations.

“We have been able to come up with projects which will accelerate electrification. In grid areas, it is much easier because we extend the power either through the Kenya Power and Lighting Company or through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation,” he stated.

“Off-grid areas are more challenging because of the vastness of the areas. They are far from the national grid and what we did there is to come up with an initiative to supply power to those off-grid stations using mini-grids and solar system,” he added.

Eng Kiva noted that the World Bank-funded Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project aims to reach underserved counties.

“A few weeks ago, we were able to sign contracts to do mini-grids to those areas for projects worth almost Ksh10 billion,” stated Eng Kiva.

Kilifi County Director of Energy, Wilfred Baya, lauded the development of the policy, saying that many off-grid hospitals and the adoption of solar panels is a timely solution. Adoption of solar powered street lights and flood lights in urban areas, he noted we will improve security and Kenyans will be able to do businesses 24 hours thus accelerating economic growth.

“This policy is one of the best the country has ever had, and I believe it will create the change that we aspire to as per Kenya’s vision 2030,” the director of energy said.

On the other hand, the overarching aim of the National Policy on Petroleum is to explore, exploit, utilise and manage petroleum resources and products sustainably to contribute towards Kenya’s economic development.

The policy will also promote sustainable petroleum resource exploration, development and production, enhance storage and transportation capacity of petroleum products, promote value addition of petroleum resources for local and regional petroleum product demand and enhance the uptake of Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Engineer Kishoyian Saigulu from the State Department of Petroleum, said the policy will promote sustainable development in Kenya’s upstream sector and ensure security of supply for the country and the regional markets.

“It also aims to promote the use of LPG; we recently launched the National LPG Growth Strategy that aims to increase the consumption of LPG per capita use from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent,” stated Eng. Saigulu.

• Tell Media / KNA report / by Dyan Kwamboka and Mgeni Kujeza