Makueni launches energy plan to boost agricultural production

Makueni county intends to provide clean energy to its residents to boost food production and create jobs, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has said.

He said clean, sustainable, reliable and affordable energy access to households, health facilities, schools and value addition to agricultural production will reshape the energy landscape in the county.

The governor said Makueni leads in production of fruits like mangoes and pixies and value addition to such produce will prevent post-harvest losses and ensure higher prices.    

“As the county strives to promote food production and reduce overreliance on rain-fed agriculture, we require reliable energy to power water for irrigation. Interventions in these areas will contribute significantly to food security and job creation for our people,” he said on Tuesday.

“The plan we have launched today holds potential in reshaping our future energy landscape. It not only ensures energy access to households in the county, but also electrification of schools and health facilities, value addition for agricultural produce."

He said powering water for domestic and agricultural use and cold chain infrastructure will increase the shelf-life of produce.

Kilonzo Jnr spoke during the launch of Makueni County Energy Plan 2023-32 at Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre in Wote town.

He said the plan that has an investment prospectus will drive the county towards the future of sustainable energy access that will lead to economic growth hence improve the livelihoods of the people.

The county chief said 65 per cent of the population in Makueni is not connected either to grid or mini-grids.

He said they are working closely with the national government agencies to ensure energy access to all households.

“I am aware it is not only connectivity but also affordability is also a barrier to energy access. Our households, businesses and the delivery of quality healthcare are affected," Kilonzo Jnr said.

"It is a sad reality to recognise the importance of access to affordable and reliable energy that is a key enabler to socio-economic development.” 

Implementation of the plan requires an estimated Sh74.9 billion, he said.

The governor urged development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and the community to support the venture.

British Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett said his government has given Sh100 million to support Makueni in its energy journey and address climate change.

“This support, through Strathmore University and International Centre for Agroforestry, will ensure the development of the county energy policy, which will see the implementation of the energy plan," he said.

"The additional support is to the county’s efforts to protect and restore landscapes through nature-based solutions.” 

He said the plan of Makueni is transformative and will help to achieve universal electrification by 2026 and clean cooking by 2028, in line with Kenya’s national energy targets.

Barnett said his country will lead by example on matters of climate change where they will assist countries tackle challenges and accelerate the transition to clean power.

“We aim to build a Global Clean Power Alliance. This will bring together a coalition of countries at the cutting edge of climate action who share our ambition. We want to work collaboratively with international partners and share more about deploying clean energy at a scale and at a pace,” he said.

The Deputy High Commissioner said his government has trained 29 county officers in energy planning, policy development and finance.

Barnett said they have also trained 16 chief officers on integrated planning and budgeting, and 40 technical staff have honed their skills in solar PV installation.

“This leaves Makueni county equipped not just for today, but for the future. It will ensure progress is sustainable in the long term,” he said.

Present was Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and other county officials.