Nairobi: The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has launched its Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027, aiming to transform Kenya's energy sector through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and the adoption of clean energy technologies. Speaking during the event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, stated that the Strategic Plan reflects the Ministry's agenda to power Kenya's economic growth and meet global energy targets.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wandayi highlighted the achievements under the previous strategic cycle (2018-2022), citing the enactment of the Energy Act, 2019, and Petroleum Act, 2019, as key milestones that provided a robust legal framework for sector reforms. He also acknowledged the development of policies like the Energy Policy 2018, Petroleum Policy 2018, and the Kenya National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, 2020. The CS praised the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for aligning regulations with these statutes, emphasizing the progress made in the sector.
Wandayi disclosed ongoing institutional reforms, including the transformation of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) through a new business model supported by strategic partnerships. He mentioned the restructuring of the Kenya Petroleum Refinery Limited, with its functions being transferred to the Kenya Pipeline Company to consolidate petroleum logistics. Additionally, Kenya Power has made strides towards achieving commercial sustainability.
The CS emphasized the Ministry's commitment to expanding access to clean and renewable energy, noting that renewables currently account for 93 percent of Kenya's energy mix. He urged sector leaders to uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability, maintaining transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy, Eng. Alex Wachira, described the launch as a major achievement, highlighting the Plan's focus on addressing affordability, reliability, and sustainability challenges in the energy sector. Meanwhile, the PS for the State Department for Petroleum, Mr. Mohamed Liban, commended the planning teams for ensuring inclusive public participation.
Director of Planning Lucy Gaithi presented the strategy, aligning it with Kenya's Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Africa Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She reported a 40.9 percent increase in national grid capacity, development of transmission lines, substations, and a rise in electricity access.
The new plan also identifies challenges such as power losses, infrastructure vandalism, funding shortfalls, and emerging issues like AI, e-mobility, and global energy market instability. Gaithi emphasized the Strategic Plan as a collective vision and a guiding framework for the sector's future, calling for collaboration, innovation, and leadership for successful implementation.
The launch signifies a significant step in Kenya's energy transition journey, with stakeholders optimistic about delivering reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy to all Kenyans.