The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has launched Institutional Capacity Development to the Energy Sector in Kenya (SETA) aiming at increasing sustainable and reliable energy to all Kenyans.

Leaders explained the plan in an event held in Meru County and attended by Energy, Transport and Infrastructure Chairman John Lonyangapuo, Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi and other stakeholders. They said the plan is targeting to support 20 counties across the country.

Speaking during the launch, head of Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization- European Union Martin Anderson said the project funded by the European Union at a cost of Ksh.433 million will go a long way in supporting universal access to electricity service, clean cooking energy and increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the country.

He further urged the counties to partner with the SETA project to improve affordable energy access to the residents through better-improved governance and organization of energy development.

“I call upon counties to take seriously the process of preparing the energy plan because they are critical instrumental tools for a better livelihood. You need to work with line ministries, private sector, civil society and other partners in the respective counties to develop a robust framework for energy planning and consumption,” Anderson added.

In a speech read by Ms Kula Hache on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy Dr. Gordon O. Kihalangwa, the SETA project is designed to address the energy sector capacity gaps identified within the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Action Agenda (2016).

She added with the support of SETA the ministry within the Integrated National Energy Planning Framework will facilitate the development and implementation of up to 15 renewable energy projects in the country.

Ms Hache launder the support by the European Union adding the country is committed to ensuring affordable energy is a priority it all Kenyans alongside other development goals including universal health care, education for all, job creation and environmental sustainability among others.

Lonyangapuo, on his side, said that the county governments have continued to undertake their planning responsibilities including physical planning relating to energy resources, planning and implementing disaster management plans, facilitating the demand for energy, and provision of land and rights of way for energy infrastructure.

“It is my hope that the project will enable counties to come up with realistic energy plans as envisaged in the Energy Act,” he said.

“The desire of the Council of Governors is that the ministry will continue to support counties through other initiatives in the Energy sector that are geared towards responding to the needs of the citizens,” Lonyangapuo said.