President William Ruto has revealed plans by the government to increase Kenya’s renewable energy capacity from 3 to 100 gigawatts by 2050.

Speaking during the Italy-Africa Summit in Italy, Ruto faulted historical structural and systemic challenges that have limited Africa’s participation in green energy.

“While targets may seem modest compared to the global goal of 11,000 GW, it is crucial to understand that this is not due to a lack of ambition. Rather, it reflects the historical structural and systemic challenges that have limited our participation in the green revolution. Out of the USD 3 trillion invested over the past two decades, only USD 60 billion reached our continent (Africa),” Ruto said.

According to Ruto, energy security remains a distant reality for approximately 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to electricity.

“This staggering number, often cited, represents half of our continent’s population and exceeds the entire population of Europe by 150 million,” he added.

He says that approximately one billion Africans still lack access to clean cooking energy, emphasizing the urgent need to reshape the energy landscape for dignified lives and livelihoods.

“We are determined to change this reality. Kenya’s vision for the future is encapsulated in our ambitious goal to increase our current energy capacity from approximately 3 gigawatts to 100 gigawatts of entirely renewable power by 2050. This bold objective is grounded in the vast, yet largely untapped, renewable resources our country possesses,” he added.

According to Ruto, Africa’s renewable energy potential and natural resources can aid in meeting Europe’s energy needs while fostering economic growth and technological advancement in Africa.

Ruto on natural gas in Africa

Ruto also called on the European nations to have a fair and equitable deal structuring on natural gas exploitation in Africa, with an urgent and sustained focus on renewables.

“A discussion on energy security would not be complete without addressing gas. Africa has abundant untapped gas reserves, and Europe desires to diversify its gas sourcing. It is an important industry for Italy. I firmly believe that no African country can be asked to halt the exploration of its natural resources, including fossil fuels,” Ruto said.

“True non-predatory cooperation should ensure that African countries are not left with a stranded asset. I believe gas remains a temporary solution, primarily for export and only with fair and equitable deal structuring. The urgent and sustained focus should be on renewables.”

He says Africa is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, and abundant wind, geothermal, and hydro potential.