Kenya is set to host the 25th Africa Energy Forum (AEF) 2023 on June 20 to 23 this year at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
Addressing the media on the upcoming event at a Nairobi hotel today, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir said the forum titled ‘Africa for Africa in building energy for the just transition’ seeks to foster interactive conversations on energy needs in Africa.
Chirchir said the event that brings together key stakeholders in the energy sector aims to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the sector as well as highlight the crucial role of international and private investors and governments on how to meet their energy needs.
He said this is the first time Kenya is privileged to host the AEF 2023 forum, an event that will see the country handing over the mantle to Egypt who will host the AEF 2024.
“The African continent is witnessing a transformation in its energy landscape and Kenya is at the forefront of this transition,” said the CS.
He added that Kenya is a beacon of renewable energy in the African region and recognised as a global leader in renewable energy deployment, demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable and environment friendly energy.
Chirchir added “Over the next few days, we will have a global platform right here in Kenya’s capital to look back on the journey the country has made in the growth and development of the energy sector and to cast our future plans.”
The CS said the forum that will be hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with KenGen also seeks to grow access of electricity in the country which is currently over 78 percent which is projected to rise towards the 100 percent target in the Kenya Kwanza government.
He said Kenya is celebrating milestones made by green energy deployment with 93 percent of energy consumed and harnessed from renewable sources like geothermal, hydro, wind,solar, biomass among others
Chirchir announced that the government is working to incorporate and grow clean green energy cooking technologies from 70 percent of biomass used in homesteads to liquefied petroleum gas which is set to go up to 100 percent in the next 4 years to reduce the carbon footprint.
He reiterated that the AEF 2023 will also mark the launch of the Youth Energy Summit set to empower African youth in the energy industry with an aim of providing a platform for engagements, collaborations and capacity building in the energy sector.
By Emma Jolly and Phinta Amondi
