The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has developed the draft National Energy Policy, 2025, and the Draft National Petroleum Policy, 2025, to align the sectors with the best global practices and hasten economic growth.
The National Energy Policy 2025–2034 is expected to accelerate the country’s transition to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future.
The policy aims to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy that drives national development, economic growth, and climate resilience.
Speaking during a public participation forum for the six coastal counties held at the Kenya School of Government Mombasa campus, Secretary for Renewable Energy Engineer Isaac Kiva reiterated the government’s commitment to universal access to electricity by 2030.
Eng. Kiva disclosed that the current electrification coverage stands at 75 per cent from both grid and off-grid stations.
“We have come up with projects which will accelerate electrification. In grid areas, it is much easier because we extend the power either through the Kenya Power and Lighting Company or through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation,” he stated.
“Off-grid areas are more challenging because of the vastness of the areas; they are far from the national grid, and what we did there is come up with an initiative to supply power to those off-grid stations using mini-grids and solar systems,” he added.
Eng. Kiva noted that the World Bank-funded Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project aims to reach underserved counties.
“A few weeks ago, we were able to sign contracts to do mini-grids in those areas for projects worth almost Sh10 billion,” stated Eng. Kiva.
Kilifi County Director of Energy, Wilfred Baya, lauded the development of the policy, saying that many off-grid stations’ adoption of solar panels is a timely solution.
Adoption of solar-powered street lights and floodlights in urban areas, he noted, will improve security and Kenyans will be able to do business 24 hours, thus accelerating economic growth.
“This policy is one of the best the country has ever had, and I believe it will create the change that we aspire to as per Kenya’s Vision 2030,” stated the Director of Energy.
On the other hand, the overarching aim of the National Policy on Petroleum is to explore, exploit, utilize and manage petroleum resources and products sustainably to contribute towards Kenya’s economic development.
Engineer Kishoyian Saigulu from the State Department of Petroleum expounded that the Policy will promote sustainable development in Kenya’s upstream sector and ensure security of supply for the country and the regional markets.
“It also aims to promote the use of LPG; we recently launched the National LPG Growth Strategy that aims to increase the consumption of LPG per capita use from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent,” stated Eng. Saigulu.
By Dyan Kwamboka and Mgeni Kujeza
