Kenya’s long term development agenda is enshrined in the Vision 2030, which aims to
transform the Country into a newly industrializing, middle-income economy that provides a
high quality of life to all citizens by 2030. The vision rests on three
pillars: an economic pillar which aims at economic growth of 10% per annum; a social pillar which seeks just, cohesive and equitable social development in a clean and secure
environment; and a political pillar which aims to install an issue-based, people-centered,
result-oriented and accountable political system that respects rule of law and protects the
rights and freedoms of every Kenyan. The pillars are anchored on infrastructure development,
public sector reform and macroeconomic stability.
Vision 2030 Flagship Projects
- Special economic zone and Development of Industrial Parks
- National Sports stadium
- Installation of CCTV cameras and command centre
- Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Parks
- Re-construction and modernization of the Mombasa – Kisumu Railway
- Construction of Commuter rail system
- 21 Mw Sangoro Hydro-Power Station
- Kisumu Waste Management Project
- Rural Electrification Programme
According the Kisumu County Food Security and Agriculture, Industrialization and
Enterprise development, Tourism, Technology, Sports and Talent are the priority sectors
targeted for growth in contributing to GDP, creating employment, and reducing poverty in
the short term and medium term. This means that the County is expected to grow at a higher
rate than other Counties in the MTP II period with an immediate high impact on energy
generation and utilization.
However, for Kisumu to industrialize and to contribute to Kenya Vision 2030 Availability of efficient, reliable and cost effective energy supply is a pre-requisite. Therefore, a proper understanding of the County energy context is necessary for the integration of energy into broader development policy goals.
The current energy peak demand in the County is estimated at 42.2 MW projected to reach
337.2 MW by the year 2030. The industrial sector currently consumes about 85 per cent of the electricity supply to the Kisumu County from the national grid while the domestic consumption accounts for about 15 per cent. The County currently has manufacturing industries, bakeries, Jua-kali associations and Jua-kali artisans etc with Kisumu city and the surrounding areas hosting several other light industries centered on processing agricultural products, brewing, and manufacturing
including molasses, fish and agricultural produce processing.
The County has 3 sugar factories, factories, at Chemelil, Muhoroni and Kibos with plans underway for a fourth mill. Kisumu city is currently also witnessing unprecedented growth in the hotel industry, with over ten facilities put up in the last five years. The LCDP plans for 98% electrification rate by 2030 up from 18% in 2014. There is a case for meeting these targets cost effectively.
Kisumu County energy supply is currently dependent on biomass which represents circa 80%
of its total energy consumption. Solar, Wind, and Municipal Waste are largely unexploited.
For instance, Solar currently provides less than 1.0 of the energy needs in the County. Also, in
terms of electricity, only about 18 % of households are connected to the national grid.
There are expectations of accelerated economic growth prospects, employment and improved
livelihoods in Kisumu County. Efforts by the County Government through the Kisumu Urban
Project in developing the Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan is expected to address
some of the general challenges that come with urbanization. However, policy interventions could also
help develop Sub-County Urban Plans following the County Integrated Development Plans
which address specific sectors like energy .
Specific targeted interventions could ensure that electricity generation and management of utilization both at household and commercial levels are addressed at sub-urban and community levels.In support of the short-term, medium-term and long-term development agenda of the County,
and based on the current situation, the sustainable energy policy framework shall focus on
three objectives:
1. Promotion of equitable access to quality energy services at least cost while protecting
the environment
2. Promotion of renewable energy use and for electricity generation where feasible
3. Promotion of energy efficiency and conservation in the County.
Kennedy Gumbe
www.trd.co.ke
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