Umoja Rubber bags this year’s Overall Energy Management Award

Umoja Rubber Products Limited is the overall winner of this year’s Energy Management Award. Mombasa Cement, Athi River Unit took the runners up award.

The event themed ‘Rewarding Excellence in Sustainable Energy’ awarded over 20 companies that have achieved significant reductions in their energy consumption through the implementation of energy-efficient measures and technologies. 

Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, the Director of Renewable Energy, Mr David Mutisya, noted that enhanced energy efficiency will ultimately improve energy security, preserve foreign currency through avoided energy imports, lower the burden on the grid during peak consumption and help reduce carbon dioxide emission. 

He added that “The Ministry is fully committed and is actively spearheading the national efforts on energy efficiency, renewable energy and addressing climate change issues. Part of this commitment is the Ministry’s partnership with KAM through the Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation that offers energy efficiency and conservation programs designed to help companies identify energy waste, determine saving potential and give recommendations on measures to be implemented.” 

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chairman, Mr Mucai Kunyiha noted that we must position energy efficiency, among other green growth and circular economy initiatives, at the centre of Kenya’s development discourse for substantial and long-lasting economic impact. 

“Energy cost and availability have always been central to industrial growth and consequently, sustained economic development for many countries around the world. For us to achieve any substantial and long-lasting economic impact for Kenya, we must position efficient use of energy, among other green growth and circular economy initiatives, at the centre of our development discourse,” said Mr Kunyiha. 

KAM Chief Executive, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga noted that investments in energy efficiency are smart business. 

“The energy efficiency market has come of age because the benefits have been demonstrated over time. For instance, the implementation of energy conservation measures, from an energy audit investment of Kshs 600, 000, have led to a saving of Kshs 6.3 million annually. This shows the potential and proven business case that energy efficiency adoption has for industry. 

In EMA 2020, the verified annual energy savings presented stands at over 32.8 Gigawatt hours with the potential cost savings of Kshs. 259.8 million,” added Ms Wakiaga. 

Also present at the awards ceremony, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Secretary Administrative, Mr Joel M. Kitili, reiterated government’s commitment to supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives. 

“Kenya has a great opportunity to transition its energy consumption quickly and sustainably, thereby embracing the choice of de-carbonization. Scaling up green investments in key sectors would catalyze significant advancement in sustainable development and poverty eradication,” he concluded. 

Energy Efficiency is one of the initiatives that KAM has put in place to drive Kenya’s circular economy. Other initiatives include water efficiency, waste management – PET plastic bottles and chemical wastes, Responsible Care and Green financing. 

16th EMA Awards Winners