Makueni County aims to provide clean energy to its residents to enhance food production and create jobs, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. announced.
He stated that access to clean, sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy will transform the county’s energy landscape, benefiting households, health facilities, schools, and agricultural production.
Kilonzo highlighted that Makueni is a leading producer of fruits like mangoes and avocados, and adding value to these crops will help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better prices.
“As we work to promote food production and decrease reliance on rain-fed agriculture, dependable energy for irrigation is essential. These efforts will significantly boost food security and create jobs for our residents,” he said on Tuesday.
The governor made these remarks during the launch of the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023-32 at the Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre in Wote town. He noted that this plan has the potential to reshape the energy landscape, providing energy access not only to households but also for schools and health facilities.
He emphasized that reliable energy for irrigation and cold chain infrastructure would enhance the shelf life of agricultural products.
Kilonzo Jr. mentioned that 65% of Makueni’s population currently lacks access to either grid or mini-grid power. The county is collaborating with national government agencies to improve energy access for all households.
“I recognize that connectivity and affordability are both barriers to energy access. This impacts our households, businesses, and the delivery of quality healthcare,” he said. “Access to affordable and reliable energy is crucial for socio-economic development.”
The implementation of the energy plan is estimated to require Sh74.9 billion. Kilonzo called on development partners, civil society, the private sector, and the community to support this initiative.
British Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ed Barnett announced that his government has allocated Sh100 million to assist Makueni in its energy efforts and tackle climate change. This funding, in collaboration with Strathmore University and the International Centre for Agroforestry, aims to support the development of the county energy policy and the implementation of the energy plan.
Barnett noted that Makueni’s plan is transformative, targeting universal electrification by 2026 and clean cooking by 2028, in line with Kenya’s national energy objectives.
He expressed the UK’s commitment to leading on climate action and facilitating a transition to clean energy, stating, “We aim to build a Global Clean Power Alliance to collaborate with countries committed to climate action.”
The Deputy High Commissioner also shared that his government has trained 29 county officers in energy planning, policy development, and finance, along with 16 chief officers in integrated planning and budgeting, and provided skills training in solar PV installation for 40 technical staff.
“This positions Makueni County not only for today but for a sustainable future,” he added.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and other county officials were also present at the event.
