Investors have been urged to channel financing into modern rural electrification technologies, including off-grid generation through mini-grids, to develop the country’s energy markets.
According to the Alliance for Rural Electrification, about two-thirds of energy investments in Africa are channelled into exports.
“Decentralised renewable energies offer the advantage to integrate both civil society and business interests for the benefit of common progress,” Marcus Wiemann, secretary general for ARE, told an energy forum in Nairobi yesterday.
The forum organised by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum sought to identify partnership, policy and business opportunities in sustainable energy investments in Kenya.
“I hope the policy recommendations will respond to their realities and ultimately change their lives.”
Mukasa said off-grid energy investments will benefit the folk in rural areas and informal urban settlements, enabling them access affordable, quality and clean energy for households, commercial use and community services like schools and health centres.
