MAKUENI, Kenya – Makueni County is redefining energy access with its creative County Energy Policy, which was influenced by the opinions of its citizens!
To make sure the draft policy represents the actual needs, priorities, and aspirations of local communities, the county government launched a three-day citizen validation process through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy.
Supported by the Kenyan Constitution and the national Energy Act of 2019, the policy offers a framework to direct the county’s development, regulation, and application of sustainable energy solutions.
Already, Makueni County, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, is one step away from finalising its energy policy— a framework designed to promote clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to support socio-economic development across the county.
What does the recent World Energy Outlook show
The policy has been developed in partnership with Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and UK-PACT.
On Thursday, 8 May 2025, the draft policy underwent validation by all relevant County Directors to ensure alignment with the county’s overall development agenda. The forum was chaired by Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi and attended by the Environment Chief Officer, Dr. Geoffrey Muthoka.
The draft will next be reviewed by the Chief Officers, County Executive Committee, County Assembly, and Community before its official launch.
This new development comes when the World Energy Outlook shows there are set to be almost 10 times as many electric cars on the road, with renewables nearing half of the global power mix, but much stronger policies are needed for 1.5 °C.
Major shifts underway today are set to result in a considerably different global energy system by the end of this decade, according to the IEA’s new World Energy Outlook 2023. The phenomenal rise of clean energy technologies such as solar, wind, electric cars, and heat pumps is reshaping how we power everything from factories and vehicles to home appliances and heating systems.
In February 2024, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met a high-powered delegation from the British High Commission Office to discuss potential collaborations and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects in Makueni County.
The discussions highlighted several areas of cooperation, including:
- Establishing an enabling environment for renewable energy projects.
- Capacity-building initiatives for local administrators in renewable energy management.
- Resource mobilisation for innovative renewable energy technologies.
- Transitioning grid-powered projects to solar-powered systems.
Robina Abuya from the British High Commission, who led the delegation to Makueni, detailed prospective grant programs aimed at supporting these initiatives. She emphasised the importance of accessing international development funds for clean energy, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and stimulate economic growth.
With the goal of improving access to sustainable, sufficient, reasonably priced, competitive, safe, dependable, and modern energy to meet the needs of Makueni’s population, the policy was created in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI), Strathmore University, UK PACT, and Just Energy Transition Africa.
Later in September of the same year, the devolved unit unveiled a 10-year Sh74 billion green energy plan touted as the solution to the county’s sustainable and affordable energy requirements, set to transform its economic landscape.
How was the Makueni County Energy Plan developed
The Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government, Strathmore Energy Centre, and the World Resources Institute, is a strategic blueprint designed to guide the development and implementation of energy systems and policies in the county, aiming to ensure sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy for its residents and businesses.
The plan was launched in Wote by Governor Kilonzo Jr., British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett, and National Oil Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gideon Leparan Morintat, among other local leaders.
Governor Mutula outlined his vision for Makueni, powered by clean, sustainable, and affordable energy, aiming for complete electrification, extended business hours, and improved clean cooking solutions.
A notable step towards green energy in the county includes a Sh30 million investment in a solar PV system at Makueni County Referral Hospital, expected to save Sh7 million in energy costs annually.
