Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to spur economic development in the country.
The CS said growing demand for energy had compelled the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to seek alternative green sources of power to complement supply on the national grid to bridge the deficit
Wandayi said the ministry was working with County governments to accelerate installation of clean-energy infrastructure across the country as part of efforts to reduce household air pollution, expand electricity access and protect livelihoods.
Speaking at Kitui Energy Center in Kitui town yesterday when he presided over a ceremony to mark this year’s international Day of Clean Energy, the CS said the year’s theme, “Clean energy for people and planet” underscores the social, health and economic benefits of the country’s energy transition.
“The transition must focus on people, including reducing health risks, creating livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and ensuring no Kenyan is left behind,” the CS added.
He said that more than 400,000 customers were connected in the 2024/2025 Financial Year, a majority through Last Mile Electricity Connectivity programme
He noted that national electricity access now stands at about 75 per cent, while access to clean cooking solutions remains low at roughly 34.4 per cent, with the majority of households still relying on firewood.
The Cabinet Secretary warned that household air pollution remains a major public-health challenge, citing estimates that some 26,000 Kenyans die annually from household air pollution.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access and clean cooking by 2030, and called on communities and implementing agencies to cooperate in safeguarding and fast-tracking projects.
Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira told the gathering that the Government is promoting programmes to expand solar access to remote and arid areas.
He said the initiatives are meant to reach households living beyond the grid and strengthen resilience where rainfall and climate shocks have strained livelihoods.
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) Chief Executive Officer Rose Mkalama said the agency is supporting the national clean-energy agenda by promoting technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, solar water systems, solar cookers and solar driers.
She added that REREC operates regional offices, currently nine and expanding, and provides training and demonstration programmes for farmers, households, youths and institutions, including university visits that expose students to renewable-energy technologies.
Mkalama said REREC has implemented numerous projects within Kitui County.
Kitui County Executive Committee Member for Energy and Environment Richard Mwendandu said the county was rolling out programmes to reduce dependence on biomass and increase clean-fuel uptake. He noted that only a small share of households currently use LPG or biogas.
Mwendandu said the county’s plans include maximizing household connections, curbing deforestation linked to biomass use and expanding clean-energy options to as many families as possible.
By Denson Mututo & Rachel Kithome
