By Steve Muthini
The government has put in place plans to eliminate the use of wood fuel for cooking in schools and other government institutions by 2028.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa said the plan was in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which seek to reduce carbon emissions as more sustainable energy solutions come into use.
Speaking while opening stakeholders’ workshop at Machakos University hotel, Dr Kihalangwa said the Bio-energy Action Plan 2021 – 2022 had outlined regulatory measures and institutional framework as well as a comprehensive mapping of the country’s bio-energy resources with the aim of ensuring the strengthening of bio energy research and promotion of awareness on available options.
“Globally people are talking of minimizing carbon emissions. We aim to eliminate the use of wood energy for cooking in all institutions by 2028,”said Dr Kihalangwa.
He revealed that they also aim to prioritize growing and management of biomass resources in order to have sustainable bio energy.
Other options available in the country include Geo-thermal energy in Olkaria and a solar plant in Garissa.
Dr Kihalangwa, who officially opened the Action Plan validation exercise, said Shs 5 billion had been projected for the rolling out of the plan in five years.
He added that the amount was inadequate taking into account the various components of the Action plan including creating bio-safety standards and awareness to the public.
He said a national conference on the Action Plan will be held next month to decide the way forward.
The PS observed that the country produces about 2950 megawatts daily which exceeds by far, the amount of energy used daily (1500 megawatts).
He concluded by adding that the excess energy can be used for industrial growth.
