Kenya has taken cognisance of the rapidly evolving global landscape and the pressing climate change challenges confronting the continent.
In light of this, the country ratified the Paris Agreement and updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), committing to mitigate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30 percent by 2030. This commitment has prompted Kenya to recalibrate its energy generation strategy, directing greater focus towards the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources.
Currently, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, is in the process of reviewing Kenya’s energy policy. The ministry has developed the draft National Energy Policy 2025-2034 (NEP).
Albeit in its nascent form, the draft NEP is an improvement on its predecessor the 2018 Policy by and large. The draft NEP outlines bold strategies and is firmly anchored in global sustainability goals, positioning Kenya to advance its commitment to decarbonisation and an equitable energy transition.
Among its key priorities is the development of renewable energy. Leveraging its abundant renewable resources — including geothermal, solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro, green hydrogen, and imports — the draft NEP aims to expand the country’s renewable energy generation to ensure a significant contribution to the national energy mix.
Energy efficiency and sustainability: Under this strategy, the plan is to promote energy-efficient appliances, support electric mobility and integrate energy storage systems (ESS) in order to stabilise the grid due to the increased use of the variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Despite being clean, variable renewable energy sources (VREs) present a significant challenge: they are not available around the clock.
In Kenya the focus has been majorly on battery energy storage system (Bess), which has been a key requirement for power purchase agreements.
Climate change and just energy transition: A key facet to the Paris Agreement and decarbonisation of the energy sector. Under the energy transition, the goal is to shift from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy in a fair and inclusive approach.
It is worth noting that the draft NEP has prioritised decarbonisation not just as an environmental imperative but also as an economic and social opportunity.
By accelerating the shift to clean, renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and phasing out fossil fuels, the draft NEP lays the foundation for a low-carbon future that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Importantly, to succeed, this transition must be just - supporting workers, communities, and industries through clear planning, investment in green jobs, and equitable access to clean energy.
Decarbonisation is not a burden, but a pathway to innovation, energy security, and a livable planet for future generations. However, its success depends on the effective implementation of the proposed plan, the adoption of emerging technologies, and sustained regional cooperation — such as through the East African Power Pool (EAPP).
The writer is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
