Kenya is hosting the Clean Energy Expo and Conference 2025, a flagship event organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to accelerate the country’s transition to sustainable, inclusive energy solutions.
The event, themed “Beyond Energy Efficiency: Inclusive Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, development agencies, and academia.
Speaking at the launch, KAM Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando emphasized the urgent need for joint efforts across all sectors to achieve Kenya’s clean energy goals.
He called on policymakers to create a predictable, enabling environment for green investments and shared insights from a recent benchmarking visit to Denmark, where coordinated action among government, the private sector, and communities drives sustainability.
Alando urged the nation to embrace bold, collaborative steps toward cleaner energy, emphasizing that real change must come from coordinated efforts between government, industry, and the citizens themselves.
Participants heard how Kenya has already made significant strides through the work of KAM’s Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation, which has helped industries slash energy costs and carbon emissions through over 2,000 audits. Yet, the message from the opening session was clear: the time has come to scale up, broaden the conversation, and ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in this energy revolution.
KAM Energy Sector Chair Genesio Mugo challenged participants to address inclusivity gaps in the clean energy transition.
“Let us ask ourselves who is being left behind and how we can ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of sustainable growth,” he said.
Mugo highlighted how cross-sector collaboration and strong policy frameworks have transformed nations into models of sustainable living.
Kenya, he said, has the talent, resources, and innovation to do the same but must act with urgency and intention.
Beyond industry, the expo’s first day also spotlighted grassroots energy access, particularly for women and small-scale entrepreneurs who often face disproportionate barriers in energy affordability and availability.
Speakers underscored the need to prioritize these groups in policy and investment decisions, asserting that clean energy is not just a climate issue but a social justice one.
Kenya’s ambitious targets—achieving 100% renewable electricity and universal access to clean cooking by 2030, remain at the center of discussions. However, to meet them, stakeholders called for stronger government support through tax incentives, financing instruments, and policies that encourage innovation and market growth.
As the first day of the expo came to a close, the energy in the room was unmistakable: this is more than just a conference; it’s a call to action. Tomorrow’s sessions promise deeper engagement, with panels on green financing, localized solutions, and the future of energy-efficient manufacturing.
With the momentum built today, Kenya is well on its way to becoming a beacon of clean energy innovation not just in Africa, but across the globe.
By Gesora Minax and Yvone Wanjiru
