Maasai Mara University handed clean energy boost
The project has reached over 50,000 across Africa
6mon agoJACKTONE LAWICounties
The United Nations has issued a call for greater investment in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable.
As the world observes the International Day for Clean Energy, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stated that: “The science is clear: to limit climate change, we must end our reliance on fossil fuels.”
UNEP further pointed out that transitioning to clean energy is crucial in the battle against climate change.
“A significant portion of the greenhouse gases that warm the planet and trap the Sun’s heat come from energy production, especially through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) to generate electricity and heat.”
The UN General Assembly established the International Day for Clean Energy to raise awareness and encourage action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy, benefiting both people and the planet.
This day is observed annually on January 26.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Kenya has made substantial progress in renewable energy and electricity access.
In 2021, nearly 90 percent of the energy generated and consumed in Kenya came from renewable sources, a notable increase from around 75 per cent in 2017.
Kenya has also made strides toward achieving universal electricity access, with the country increasing access from 32 per cent in 2013 to 75 per cent in 2022.
In 2021, more than 97 per cent of urban residents and 68 per cent of rural residents had access to electricity.
The IEA also reported a rise in electricity demand in Kenya, with an increase of 9 per cent in overall electricity demand and 3 per cent in peak demand in 2021, coinciding with an 8 per cent expansion in the country’s GDP.
Shalom Ndiku, Head of Policy and Partnerships at Food4Education noted that clean energy represents more than just an environmental necessity.
“It is a pathway to healthier communities and sustainable development,” he said.
Ndiku further pointed out that the day serves as an important reminder of the need to integrate sustainable solutions into daily operations.
“It aligns with Food4Education’s mission to not only provide meals for children but to do so responsibly, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to Kenya’s clean energy goals,” he added.
“At our Giga Kitchen, the largest kitchen in Africa producing 60,000 meals a day, and our 29 centralised kitchens, we use iko-briqs (eco-briquettes) to power steam-based cooking systems. This initiative is a scalable model that shows how clean energy can drive sustainable operations, with an estimated reduction of 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions by 2030,” Ndiku explained.
He went on to estimate that by adopting clean cooking methods, the organisation will cut down carbon emissions by 250,000 tons by 2030, compared to traditional firewood-based systems.
Ndiku encouraged Kenyans to embrace renewable energy solutions in their homes, businesses, and institutions.
“The future lies in collaboration and innovation.
Organisations, governments, and communities must work together to scale renewable energy solutions.
At Food4Education, we’re committed to expanding our clean energy systems as we grow and inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations,” he concluded.
