The Kenya National Energy Policy 2025–2034

A just energy transition requires a deliberate and equitable shift away from fossil fuels toward clean, renewable energy sources, ensuring that economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being go hand in hand, for Kenya, this means phasing out carbon-intensive energy like coal and petroleum while investing in sustainable alternatives that support climate resilience and community livelihoods and policies that firmly steer the country away from fossil fuel dependence. The Kenya National Draft Energy Policy while promoting renewable energy, fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas remain part of the energy mix. While Policy Objective 1 highlights the goal of 'promoting renewable energy resource development and utilisation,' the policy falls short of firmly establishing Kenya's commitment to clean energy. Despite its stated ambitions, it continues to support fossil fuel exploration, including coal and petroleum, which directly undermines the country’s climate resilience objectives. Moreover, under Objective 4, which aims to 'mobilise funding for energy projects,' the policy lacks a clear emphasis on renewable energy sources. This open-ended approach to funding creates room for investments in non-renewable, carbon-intensive projects, weakening the focus on sustainable energy development.

Section 2.15.2 (Environment and Energy) is currently positioned within the Situational Analysis rather than as a stand alone chapter, limiting its ability to comprehensively address the complex and evolving relationship between energy development, environmental protection, and climate change. The section lacks the depth and detail necessary to reflect the urgency and scale of Kenya’s environmental challenges, nor does it offer actionable solutions to mitigate the ecological footprint of energy projects. It overlooks the cumulative environmental impacts of multiple energy projects, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, and fails to outline mechanisms for long-term environmental monitoring and accountability. There is minimal focus on just transition principles, which are essential for ensuring that the shift to cleaner energy sources protects both ecosystems and the rights and livelihoods of vulnerable populations. The section also fails to adequately emphasise community engagement and public participation in energy planning, especially for communities directly affected by energy projects. Notably, there is no mention of Kenya’s contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy sector, nor are there strategies outlined for reducing these emissions in line with Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the proposed establishment of a nuclear energy plant is not accompanied by a thorough examination of its potential environmental impacts, such as risks related to radioactive waste, water resource usage, and the long-term ecological footprint of such infrastructure.

Communities, especially indigenous populations, often shoulder the greatest environmental and social burdens from energy projects, despite this, the policy lacks robust safeguards to protect these vulnerable groups. Fossil fuel exploration—including coal, petroleum, and natural gas—poses significant risks to nearby communities, leading to potential environmental degradation, health hazards, and the disruption of traditional livelihoods. While renewable energy sources like geothermal and hydropower are often viewed as cleaner alternatives, they too carry risks. Without proper planning and oversight, these projects can harm delicate ecosystems and displace entire communities, undermining both environmental and social well-being.

The policy’s focus on land use and energy development raises significant concerns: It appears to frame land as a resource primarily for energy expansion, potentially justifying the exploration of natural gas, petroleum, and critical minerals in ecologically sensitive areas. This opens the door to exploiting biodiverse ecosystems under the guise of national energy development. Community Displacement and Land Rights: Such an approach risks displacing local and indigenous communities, undermining their land rights and cultural heritage, particularly in regions where land is integral to livelihoods and traditional practices. Weak Environmental Safeguards: Without stringent Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), energy projects could lead to long-term ecological damage, threatening endangered species, water sources, and natural habitats. Climate Resilience Trade-offs: Prioritising land for fossil fuel and mineral extraction contradicts climate resilience goals, potentially exacerbating deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, which in turn increases vulnerability to climate change impact.

The policy notably overlooks the potential of solar and wind energy, two of Kenya’s most abundant and scalable renewable resources. Despite their capacity to deliver clean, affordable power, especially to underserved rural communities and densely populated urban areas.