Today, the KEPSA Energy Sector Board led by the Chair, George Aluru met with representatives from the State Department of Energy led by Eng. Stephen Nzioka. The meeting aimed to address issues within the private sector and establish potential areas of partnership that would grow the energy sector.

Eng. Nzioka in his remarks, began by sharing his optimism in working with KEPSA to create a better environment within the energy sector. Highlighting the activities within the State Department, he underscored the development of the Energy Policy that encompasses the various thematic areas. He called upon KEPSA to recruit champions within the various energy thematic areas to ensure private sector involvement and consideration during the policy development process as a key stakeholder.

KEPSA Energy and Petroleum Chair, George Aluru, in his remarks, expressed KEPSAs readiness to partner with the State Department on policy and legislative matters. He further explained that KEPSA has been a champion of the development of the INEP Regulations, and expressed his optimism towards KEPSAs participation in the creation of the Energy Policy which is a step forward in the realization of an enabling business environment.

The meeting further deliberated on the following;

• The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Moratorium which has stalled the establishment of power plants and further the Renewable Energy Auction policy.
• Inclusion of the private sector in the East African Power Pool (EAPP) which will open new business avenues for IPPs and lead to cost reduction and efficiency.
• Possible reduced rate by KenGen and GDC for Kenyan IPPs as opposed to the usual international rate which will significantly mitigate operational risk and costs.
• The Bio-Energy Strategy whereby the draft is complete and undergoing finetuning before public participation. However, it was noted that there a limited resources for the implementation of the strategy which poses as a challenge to the Ministry.
• Conference potentially scheduled for the next quarter that aims at establishing measures to be put in place that would fast track the production of Bio-Energy as a clean cooking solution.

The meeting concluded with an agreement of continuous partnership with the State Department in ensuring the PPA Moratorium is lifted, in developing the energy policy and in creating awareness on the benefits of Bio-energy as a clean cooking solution. Further it was agreed that there would be would be meetings with the State Department every quarter to update on progress and establish potential areas of PPPs.