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Energy

MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT

In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.

This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.

Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.

The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY AND WRI FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

In a bid to foster sustainable energy development, Makueni County has joined forces with Strathmore University and WRI in an energy training collaboration. Spearheaded by the Housing and Energy Directorate, the collaborative workshop aimed at bolstering energy-saving initiatives across various government departments, marking a significant leap towards sustainable energy development.

The workshop convened teams from health, energy, agriculture, and water departments for an in-depth exploration of energy management strategies. Spearheaded by Housing and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the training emphasized the pivotal role of energy conservation in the county.

Eng. Nthambi shed light on the Makueni County Energy Plan and ongoing pilot projects geared towards enhancing energy efficiency. Participants delved into crucial topics such as Energy Management Regulations and Appliance Energy Performance during interactive discussions.

Expanding its reach, the workshop included a specialized session for Technical Working Group and Facility Managers, who actively delved into practical implementation strategies for energy management county-wide.

Key takeaways from facility managers highlighted the importance of finalizing the Energy Planning Process, establishing Facility-Level Energy Management Teams, and fostering communication and collaboration among teams. The discussion also stressed the significance of implementing mechanisms for Monitoring, Control, and Reporting, alongside regular policy reviews to adapt to evolving energy management practices.

Covering practical aspects including Energy Management Systems and Lighting Systems, this collaborative effort underscores Makueni County’s steadfast commitment to forging a sustainable future through informed energy practices.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVERNMENT SIGNS A COLLABORATIVE FRAMEWORK WITH REREC

Today, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama signed a collaboration aimed at enhancing rural electricity accessibility, renewable energy and clean cooking.

The partnership, focusing on a holistic electrification effort, seeks to benefit approximately 624 households across the county, with a pivotal Kshs. 30 Million matching grant from the County Government.

“This fund is dedicated to uplifting households and institutions in the 2023/24 fiscal year, promising improved living standards and economic growth through enhanced access to electricity,” affirmed Governor Mutula.

Kicking off this transformative initiative, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and CEO Dr. Mkalama commissioned the Kako Waia CBO Warehouse electrification scheme in Mbooni Sub-County. Connecting 54 households, the project stands as a symbol of progress and connectivity in the community, marking the shared commitment of the County Government and REREC Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation – Kenya to address the crucial need for electricity in underserved areas.

VALIDATION OF MAKUENI COUNTY ENERGY PLAN

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, in collaboration with Strathmore University and WRI, organized a 3-day County Energy Plan Validation workshop at Kusyombunguo Hotel, Wote, from December 6th to 8th, 2023. Led by CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the workshop focused on Energy Access to affordable, sustainable, and clean energy, productive use of energy, clean cooking technologies and sustainable bioenergy.

On the first day, the sensitization and validation of the County Energy Plan by the Members of the County Assembly.

The second day featured the presentation of the draft CEP to the cabinet under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, for their input and validation.

On the third day, Ward administrators were sensitized on the upcoming County Energy Plan and received a briefing on public engagement strategies and the promotion of green and renewable energy.

This workshop signifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable energy in Makueni County. The Makueni County Energy Plan is the 4th of its kind in Kenya, guided by the Integrated National Planning Framework.

ENERGY DIRECTORATE CONCLUDES  INNOVATIVE ENERGY PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Makueni County Government  in collaboration with Strathmore University (SU) and the World Resource Institute (WRI) has successfully concluded a three-day workshop aimed at shaping the County Energy Plan. This partnership brings together governmental insight, academic expertise from Strathmore University, and the global perspective on sustainable development provided by WRI.

The workshop launched by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi at Kusyombunguo Wote, emphasized the pivotal role of energy in daily life. Dr. Kyambi stressed the significance in powering homes, fueling industries, and propelling progress. He stated that there was a need for a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that would meet the current County energy needs and lay a foundation for a resilient and sustainable future. He further urged stakeholders to promote the use of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

The workshop delved into critical topics including Bioenergy Findings and Interventions, Energy Access Findings, Electricity Modeling Scenarios, Clean Cooking Modeling, Energy Efficiency and Conservations Findings, and Cross-Cutting Issues with a focus on Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The collaboration between the Energy Directorate, Strathmore University, and WRI promises a forward-thinking, comprehensive, and implementable energy plan for the sustainable development of Makueni County.

The three-day workshop agenda included project confirmations on the first day, validation sessions for the technical working group, departmental directors, and policy makers on the second day, and a final validation session with 30 community members from various wards on the third day.

RENEWABLE ENERGY BENCHMARK TO KITUI

In a cutting-edge educational program on renewable energy knowledge, the Government of Makueni County through the Energy Directorate led 30 Ward Energy Champions(WECs) drawn from the 30 wards on a 2- day benchmarking visit to Kitui County. 

The benchmarking program led by CECM Infrastructure, Transport , Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni was aimed at equipping the WECs with the latest insights and skills needed to thrive in the evolving green energy sector. Amongst the centers visited are:

1. Kitui Energy Center where WECs learnt about quality and affordable renewable energy technologies e.g green energy, Bio-gas, Solar, wood fuel and cook stove

2. Kenya Water Institute, Kitui Campus.

3. Briquette making machine.

In a bid to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, the educational program aimed at shaping the Makueni County’s future on renewable and sustainable energy solutions. 

#RenewableEnergy #EducationForChange

ENERGY SECTOR INVESTORS TO PARTNER WITH MAKUENI COUNTY

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday held a one on one session with China – Africa Partnership for Sustainable Investment for Renewable Energy in Africa, Sun Africa, World Resources Institute, and Tool Kit to discuss investment prospectus for Makueni County.
The Investment Prospectus (IP) highlights the Renewable Energy investment opportunities with the aim of attracting finance and investment, by showcasing real opportunities that exists in Makueni County. Identification of the opportunities listed on this IP was based on the following criteria:
• Data collection and analysis through the Energy Access Explorer (EAE);
an online, open-source, interactive platform that uses mapping to visualize and identify priority areas where energy markets can be expanded.
• Literature reviews based on government priorities to scale renewable energy interventions.
• Interviews/consultations with both private sector players and government officers at
national and county levels.
• Site visits to gain on-ground experience of the potential the investment opportunities hold.
The partnership will incorporate solar installations for dairy processing plants, Powering Cold Chains, Powering Value Addition, Expansion and Powering Water Supply, Powering Healthcare, Powering Irrigation, Renewable Energy Power Generation, Training of CTTI Instructors and Trainees to enhance their Technical Skills to International Standards and Empowering the Youth to unlock their Economic Potential.
World Resources Institute (WRI) remains committed to work closely with the Government of Makueni County in building a comprehensive list of bankable projects across the county, which remains a critical part of unlocking finance and investment in the Renewable Energy space.
H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, H.E. Lucy Mulili, County Secretary, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and other members of county staff.

Governor Mutula launches agrivoltaic research site in Kibwezi for renewable energy while empowering local farmers

A partnership between Makueni and the Kasser Joint Institute for Food, Water, and Energy Security, a partnership of Jewish National Fund – USA, the University of Arizona and the Arava Valley in Israel has formally marked a start of an Agrivoltaic research site at St.Patrick’s Ngomano Primary School, Lower Masimbani- Kibwezi.
This solar-garden project once complete will provide a co-development in Masimbani region with the use of the same area of land for both solar power and empowering the local farmers through agriculture.
During the inauguration ceremony whose climax foresaw signing of an MOU with the community, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr hailed the idea of growing crops under solar PV panels as a way of addressing food security in the region that receives unreliable rainfall.
Eitan Hatzor who represented the Israel ambassador during the launch and Tania Pons, from Kasser Joint Institute termed the establishment of the new site in Makueni as a turning-point for building capacity for food, water and energy for the local community.
 

Meeting with Rural Electrification Corporation to light Makueni

On Friday Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr held a meeting with the CEO of the Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), Peter Mbugua and his team members in charge of design, Installation, business development and renewable energy at the KAWI headquarters.
Since last year, REREC is undertaking 13 projects under matching grants program which are expected to be completed by January next year.
There is also additional funding that has been directed to 57 projects since 2019 targeting public facilities which will also be completed in 2023. The National Government has also funded 81 projects in Makueni County to the tune of Sh. 250 million. Some of them are nearing completion and will be commissioned by the CEO and H.E the Governor soon after completion.
During the meeting, it was agreed that there is need for better collaboration and communication about suitability of projects, design, location, implementation and involvement of residents in providing labour.
The meeting was also attended by the officer in charge of Eastern region who has been leading electrification work in Makueni. There will be further engagement on the creation of a renewable energy centre in Makueni.