Nairobi: Taita Taveta County has officially launched its comprehensive energy plan, becoming the seventh out of 47 counties in Kenya to do so. Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi urged other counties to expedite their energy planning efforts, emphasizing that the nation's progress cannot be delayed indefinitely.

According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch event held at Voi Wildlife Lodge, CS Wandayi highlighted the importance of energy in driving Kenya's social, economic, and transformational goals. He pointed out that while Kenya has made significant strides in energy access, with national electricity levels rising from 29 percent in 2013 to over 95 percent today, challenges remain. About 25 percent of Kenyans still lack electricity access, primarily in rural areas, and 65.5 percent of households rely on traditional biomass for cooking.

Wandayi presented strategies to address these issues, including expanding energy infrastructure, promoting productive energy use, and ensuring energy access for public facilities. He stressed the importance of county energy plans in achieving national objectives, noting that the Integrated National Energy Plan regulations provide a framework for this comprehensive planning.

The CS commended Taita Taveta's commitment to inclusive planning, incorporating input from all its sub-counties. He revealed that 17 other counties are progressing with their plans, expressing confidence that all 47 counties will eventually complete the process. Wandayi also acknowledged the support of development partners such as the European Union and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in aiding counties with their energy plans.

Wandayi concluded by emphasizing the need for collaboration among government, the private sector, NGOs, and communities to overcome barriers to clean energy adoption and foster economic growth through reliable and sustainable energy.