The government is estimating it will need KSh2.5 trillion to implement 2023-2027 energy strategy, which is heavy on expanding exploration and discoveries of oil and gas, renewable energy development and addressing perennial power loses.
- •The Ministry of Energy also plans to drill 111 geothermal wells, continue with nuclear energy development, increase installed capacity to 3976.8MW and connecting to electricity 2.3 million additional customers and 30,000 public facilities.
- •To address power losses, the ministry says it will enhance reliability through system reinforcement, enhanced feeder refurbishment, smart metering and preventive maintenance on the distribution network.
- •The plan succeeds the 2018-2022 strategy which encountered challenges such as system power loses, high cost of extending energy and petroleum infrastructure to remote areas, vandalism, diversion of fuel meant for transit, and litigation leading to project delays.
“In recognition of the growing demand for energy and petroleum products, during the period, the ministry will increase and expand exploration and development of oil and gas discoveries as well as other untapped energy sources,” said Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Enegy and Petroleum.
“We commit to enhance energy generation mix, promote e-mobility, promote power reliability and competitiveness, and increase electricity connectivity in off-grid areas. We will further expand tax base, improve foreign exchange balance,” he added.
The petroleum sub-sector will focus on the expansion on National Pipeline Network, LPG enhancement project, development of Liquified Petroleum Bulk Gas storage facilities and the Lokichar-Lamu Crude oil pipeline.
The previous plan was also affected by the pandemic, which halted the rollout of programs, as well as emerging technologies and geopolitical shifts.
Plans laid out by the ministry to mobilise resources include lobbying the National Treasury, strengthening ties with development partners, pursuing public private partnerships, exploring carbon trading in the renewable energy space and leveraging on geo-scientific data to generate revenue and attract investment in exploration.
