Industry Stakeholders Assess Energy Services in the Country

Kenya Association of Manufacturers today brought together all stakeholders in the energy sector to assess the impact of energy and renewable energy programs in the country.

Speaking at the event, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, State Department of Energy Principal Secretary, Eng. Joesph Njoroge said that the Government has been focused on reducing the cost of energy for manufacturers , to make them more efficient in production and therefore enhance their contribution to the GDP.

“The government is committed to ensure access to electricity, with reduced electricity tariffs to improve competitiveness of business. Without adequate, competitive and clean energy it is impossible to realize industrialization. We are providing adequate power, and better power quality for manufacturers to expand their industries. Since, 2006, over 1000 energy audits in various sectors of the economy have been conducted, 70% of which have been carried out by CEEC,” Eng Njoroge said.

The forum commissioned by the Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEEC) and themed, 16 years in Energy Efficiency and Conservation provided a platform for energy stakeholders to evaluate the impact of energy efficiency and green growth in industry.

CEEC was developed as a Public Private Sector Partnership project aimed at implementing activities related to energy efficiency and conservations, and supporting the Ministry of Energy to promote the efficient utilization of energy and ensure sustainability and conservation. CEEC has carried out over 850 energy audits, trained over 400 energy managers and saved industry more than KES 12 Billion.

KAM Chair Ms Flora Mutahi, said that Green growth is compatible with Africa’s priorities. Adding that, Energy is a key input in the manufacturing process, and its high cost and quality of supply remains a constraint in manufacturing. She further stated that, KAM will seek to champion for the approval and implementation of a sound national energy policy.

“Kenya is one of the countries in Africa that has shown leadership in embracing renewable energy and dedicating substantial resources towards finding sustainable energy solutions. Industry consumes about 60% of electricity in the country positioning it as an energy intensive sector. This underlines the need for a stable energy supply. One of our top policy priorities is to advocate for industry’s ability to secure affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for better production.We need to come up with new ideas on energy efficiency,” Ms Mutahi concluded.