KAJIADO: The Kajiado County Government has introduced its County Energy Plan, a strategic framework outlining the county’s energy sourcing and utilization strategies. The plan is designed to boost electrification efforts and ensure comprehensive access to electricity by 2030.
According to Kenya News Agency, Alex Wachira, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy, announced during the launch that the government has earmarked Sh283 million in the 2024/2025 Financial Year for the expansion of last-mile connectivity across all constituencies in Kajiado. Currently, Kajiado’s electrification rate is 40 percent, significantly lower than the national average of 76 percent.
In a statement delivered by Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho on behalf of Governor Joseph ole Lenku, it was emphasized that the new Energy Plan aims to foster the use of cost-effective energy sources to meet both residential and commercial demands. Governor Lenku highlighted that a substantial portion of the county’s popu
lation still relies on charcoal and firewood, underscoring the importance of the plan in promoting sustainable energy aligned with Goal Number seven of the Sustainable Development Goals, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Governor Lenku also encouraged residents to adopt clean cooking methods to mitigate deforestation driven by wood fuel demands. Michael Semera, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, noted that the energy plan is integrated with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) due to the essential role energy plays in the county’s socio-economic growth.
Semera further stated that a dedicated committee has been established to oversee the plan’s implementation, which has already commenced, as evidenced by the use of solar and electricity in all county offices. The Energy Act 2019 requires all 47 counties to develop a County Energy Plan, as it is crucial for achievin
g a comprehensive Integrated National Energy Plan.