Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has recognized over 20 organizations that have proved their prowess in energy efficiency and conservation at the 17th Annual Energy Management Awards (EMA) luncheon held in Nairobi.
Ministry of Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said that industry was one of the most important pillars of economic and social development and it was therefore important to support and encourage energy management.
He commended the close collaboration between his ministry and KAM, asserting that through partnerships, they intended to reach out to more industries, public institution and commercial buildings to advance the energy efficiency agenda
“Organizations that have policies for energy efficiency experience benefits such as reduced peak power demand, saved energy costs and, importantly, improved industry competitiveness. Industry could be a big part of the solution for sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said the CS.
In a speech read on his behalf by Energy Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mr. Zachary Ayieko, Keter said that the government has great support for energy management awards and would continue to invest in efficiency and conservation.
“We need to embrace energy efficiency as a nation in order to save on energy costs and achieve Vision 2030. KAM has played a key role in steering this course to ensure that industries and domestic users take up energy efficiency measures,” he noted.
The CS further observed that as a ministry, they were committed to improvement of energy infrastructure coupled with clean energy positions to make Kenya a choice destination for investment in manufacturing, CT and other sectors that required stable and quality electricity.
“We intend to maintain our policy on cost reflective tariffs and focus more on additional renewable sources and growing demand to keep the prices under control,” Keter said.
KAM CEO Phyllis Wakiaga on her part stated that the manufacturing sector consumed about 60 per cent of electricity in the country positioning it as energy intensive and a key consumer, adding that the need for stable energy supply has been discussed and milestones have been made.
“Industrialization is driving Kenya’s economy. In spite of relatively high manufacturing costs taking cognizance of the contribution by energy costs, manufacturers have a vital role in driving industrialization and GDP expansion. We encourage organizations to create an energy savings culture and integrate energy efficiency functions in their corporate and operational strategies,” said Wakiaga.
British American Tobacco (BAT) Ltd Nairobi emerged as the most energy efficient company after winning the coveted 2021 Energy Management Awards (EMA) during a ceremony held at Safari park hotel in Nairobi.
British American Tobacco (BAT) Thika were the runners up in the ceremony that saw 20 organizations that have proved their prowess in energy efficiency and conservation at the 17th Annual Energy Management Awards.
The awards are geared towards encouraging a culture of energy efficiency and conservation, as well as recognize enterprises that have made major and sustainable gains in energy efficiency through the application of modern energy management principles and practices, and in the process made significant energy and cost reductions.
By Alice Gworo
