Kenya’s efforts to achieve a 100 percent transition to green energy have received a major boost following the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israel for cooperation in the energy sector.
The agreement, signed by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem, aims to strengthen Kenya’s capacity in renewable energy production through technical support, professional training, and the exchange of cutting-edge technology.
Israel will also help Kenya minimise technical and commercial losses which is a critical endeavour that will aid the government's quest for accelerated access to clean, reliable, efficient, and affordable energy.
As part of the agreement, Israel will share her experiences in the area of renewable power storage and grid stabilisation to improve output into the grid.
It is set to build Kenya’s capacity by improving professional training schools and establishing collaboration with universities and colleges of human capital development.
Other areas of collaboration include solar and other renewable energy, power storage and grid management, biomass, energy efficiency, geothermal energy, electric power production and transmission, critical infrastructure protection and resilience, and any other area deemed appropriate by both parties.
Speaking during the function, Wandayi thanked the government of Israel for extending the technical support that will aid the country's pathway to 100 per cent transition to green energy.
"With the signing of this understanding, we have established a framework through which we will collaborate to facilitate and encourage cooperation in the energy sector,” he said.
“We are going to share expertise in renewable energy resources development, innovation to improve reliability and quality of the distribution network and utilisation for economic growth that is based on principles of impartiality, equality, reciprocity and common interest," he added.
The CS said Kenya is set to benefit immensely from Israel's vast fountain of knowledge on renewable energy and cutting-edge technology as the modernisation of the country's energy infrastructure continues.
Lotem on his part noted that with the deal, Israel will help Kenya set up a Centre of Excellence for energy where human capital will be honed for the country's sustainability of green energy.
"It is the only surest way through which as a country, you will sustain the transition to green power," the envoy said.
Present during the ceremony was Principal Secretary, State Department of Energy Alex Wachira, among other senior ministry officials.
