This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Published on July 19, 2019, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sounded the alarm on Kenya's energy sector, warning that bureaucratic red tape is scaring away investors.
Speaking at Strathmore University during a conference on energy, Raila noted that despite having an installed capacity of 2,712MW, Kenya's energy production is almost equivalent to consumption, leaving a surplus of about 900MW.
However, Raila claimed that the surplus power is unreliable, citing frequent power outages in Western Kenya as an example. He also pointed out that two companies interested in generating power in Homa Bay and Siaya counties had been discouraged by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
"There are two companies that want to set up a power plant, but they are frustrated that they will be licensed if they accept to come on the national grid by 2024," Raila stated.
Raila also emphasized the importance of renewable energy, citing the damaging effects of relying on fossil fuels. He recommended a focus on renewable energy to drive economic growth and create jobs.
"Energy drives the economy. Good jobs go where there is adequate energy, good transportation, and fast internet connectivity. It does not go where power is unreliable and non-affordable," he said, citing China and India as examples of countries with reliable energy.
