By S, KNA
Embu County has joined eight other devolved units in launching the energy plan as the Ministry of Energy continues pressing other regions to follow suit as the country projects to transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2030.
The launch of Embu County Energy Plan (2025-2035) marks the completion of a two-year multi-stakeholder planning process that sets out how the county will harness, manage and expand its energy resources.
The plan that aligns Energy Act 2019, the Integrated National Energy Plan (INEP) and Sustainable Development Goal 7 outlines actionable strategies, investment opportunities and a clear implementation roadmap for equitable and sustainable energy development.
Speaking during the official launch of the plan at the University of Embu Grounds on Wednesday, Renewable Energy Deputy Director Peter Thobora challenged counties that have not completed their CEPs to expedite the process.
He said the Ministry was ready and willing to provide the required technical support to the devolved units to actualize their energy plans.
“The Ministry has been supporting capacity building and development of Cunty Energy Plans and so far we have done 23, seven of which have been launched with Embu being the eight one,” Mr. Thobora noted.
He noted that key areas of focus for the CEPs was scaling of renewable energy including solar and biogas, energy efficiency in public institutions, solarization of markets, health facilities, and administrative units as well as clean cooking transition to LPG, briquettes, and improved cook stoves.
Governor Cecily Mbarire in her speech read by Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo stressed that the plan was not just a document, but the heartbeat of a new vision of power, progress and prosperity built on the foundation of clean, reliable and energy access for all.
“This is an agenda that seeks to power industries, energize agriculture, enable digital learning, and illuminate our markets and streets thus creating a safer and more vibrant economy,” she noted.
She noted that women and youth have been recognized as key drivers of the clean energy transition by positioning them as innovators, entrepreneurs and central participants in the shift toward climate smart economic growth.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of Roads, Transport and Public Works, Elijah Njeru, the launch of the CEP has paved way for the formation of key instruments of anchoring the plan into law.
He said through these instruments namely, The Embu County Energy Policy, The Embu County Energy Bill and The Embu County Energy Investment Prospectus will help guide its implementation and help the county attract and coordinate investment.
“The task ahead is to bring this plan to life, to translate the strategies into projects that touch people’s lives and ensure that no community in Embu remains in the dark,” the CEC noted.
Njeru said the plan had opened doors for the county to come up with the laws, especially The Energy Bill that will enable them regulate investments in energy such as petrol stations and gas reticulation or packaging.
Meanwhile, the University of Embu is in the process of establishing an energy center that will serve as a hub for renewable energy training, research and innovation.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi said the center will focus on developing technical expertise in renewable energy systems, energy management and policy.
“The center will promote the use of biogas systems, offer affordable training programmes, and renewable energy services such as solar installations, maintenance and mini-grid services,” he said.
He added that they will be working closely with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to develop a relevant curriculum and offer programs for top skills needed for the local community thus fostering economic empowerment.
“This will position the university as a regional leader in energy innovation,” said the VC while calling for support from partners and stakeholders to establish the region’s first energy center at the institution.
Elsewhere, around 75-90% of Kenyan homes are connected to the national grid, with recent reports from early 2025 citing figures like 91% nationally for power supply as per reports by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), and the government aiming for 90-95% by 2030, though rural areas still lag behind than urban centers where access is near total. The rapid expansion, driven by initiatives like the Last Mile Connectivity Project, has significantly boosted access from 20% in 2013 to nearly 85-90% by 2023-2025, with off-grid solar also playing a big role.