Chapter Thirteen

Energy

Power outages in Kenya are an issue of great concern to consumers and investors. The high cost of unit consumption is another major problem. Rural electrification has not been realized due to high levels of poverty and the prohibitive transaction costs.

The Department of Remote Surveying and Remote Sensing has not been properly utilized to document the country’s power potential.

FORD-Kenya will:

1. Develop and make use of all sources of renewable energy -hydro, geo-thermal, wind power and solar power

2. Lower the cost of power

3. Discontinue the 5% levy on electricity bills

4. Increase funding for rural electrification

5. Increase hydro-power production through construction of mini-hydro power stations on all major rivers in the country

6. Build wind and solar turbines in all suitable areas of the country for domestic consumption

7. Encourage investors and zero-rate tax on power generation equipment

8. Encourage re-afforestation programmes all over the country

9. Import power from the COMESA region to supplement local demand should there be a shortfall