- Speaking to the media, Ogolla criticised the summit for its lack of Kenyan representation, despite Kenya's ambition to launch a nuclear energy industry by 2034.
- It is troubling to see that while we host an important summit on our soil; all the logistical aspects are being handled by outsiders.
Activist Fred Ogolla has raised concerns about Kenyans' absence from the US-Africa Energy Summit, a two-day event focused on industry readiness.
The conference began yesterday, August 27, 2024.
The first two days of the Summit, Aug 27th and 28th, were designed especially for regional stakeholders, with educational workshops on workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and nuclear financing, along with interactive sessions and Q&As.
The Summit general sessions, taking place on August 29th and 30th, will include keynotes and robust panel discussions on a variety of critical topics, from Africa’s industrial readiness to managing the supply chain and the importance of women and youth in the workforce, among other topics.
It is the second major convention on the continent since the Accra one that was organised by the US Department of Energy in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
Speaking to the media, Ogolla criticised the summit for its lack of Kenyan representation, despite Kenya's ambition to launch a nuclear energy industry by 2034.
Ogolla revealed that after reviewing the guest list, he found no Kenyan speakers or experts participating in the crucial conference.
"This summit is a key event for assessing our readiness for nuclear energy, yet there is a glaring absence of Kenyan voices. It's alarming that we are discussing a sector that is vital to our future energy needs, and yet our experts are not part of this critical conversation," Ogolla said
The activist also expressed frustration over the summit's reliance on foreign services.
He alleged that videographers, photographers, and even stationary supplies have been imported from Ghana.
"It is troubling to see that while we host an important summit on our soil; all the logistical aspects are being handled by outsiders. Kenyan talent, including our skilled photographers and videographers, has been overlooked, despite their capability to handle such tasks." Ogolla commented
He highlighted the absence of participation from civil society, religious organisations, and youth groups.
"This summit should be inclusive, representing the diverse voices of our society. The lack of local involvement and the use of foreign services reflect poorly on our commitment to genuine engagement and development." Ogolla said.
In his address, Ogolla called on the Kenyan government, particularly the CEO of Kenya Nuclear Energy, to address these concerns.
He urged the administration to ensure that local experts and stakeholders are included in future events.
"We must ensure that our own people are actively involved in shaping our energy future. The absence of Kenyan participation is not just an oversight; it’s a missed opportunity to showcase our expertise and commitment to the energy sector."
Ogolla concluded by stressing that even in the absence of high-profile leaders, the work must continue.
"Even if the coach is not present, the team must still play. Our efforts and contributions should not be sidelined. Kenyan talent and participation must be front and centre in discussions that affect our nation's future." he said.