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The proposed Energy Amendment Bill that is sponsored by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is set to be a game changer in the race to incorporate and embrace renewable energy. This is the view of Optiven Group CEO Mr. George Wachiuri who notes that once approved, more companies will now focus their efforts on accessing renewable energy from stakeholders such as the Independent Power Producers IPP.
The Bill among other things is proposing that monopoly power company Kenya Power be required to present publicly the list of independent power producers that have signed partnerships on sectoral engagement. In addition, the power producers will also supply electricity to Kenya Power with their details available to the public for scrutiny.
Wachiuri notes that such transparency will offer competitive advantage to power users as those who will be able to deliver will also be able to source more business. He added that stakeholders such as those in the real estate sector, are highly dependent on power and would much appreciate if the power was reliable and consistent.
Wachiuri said, “one of the key aspects of power and reliable supply of it for the real estate sector is key in empowering communities and providing safe communities. For us at Optiven, our forte has been on utility of solar energy in powering our street lighting across the projects as well as the various features in our premier projects including fountains and flood lights ”. He indicated that as a company, Optiven kicked off it’s GoGreen Initiative that was launched in 2020 and has been at the fore front in championing for green communities across the spectrum.
Kate Khasoa-Kole, a staff attached to the initiative says, “The GoGreen Initiative by Optiven has provided a framework for engagement of sustainable communities which continue to shape the future of habitats within the Optiven projects. The result is resilient communities that adapt sustainable ways of living while enjoying the benefits of aesthetically synergised green lifestyles within the projects.”
While there are deliberations around transparency in purchase of electricity from private generators, more needs to be done to encourage the use of renewable sources of energy for electricity generation. Kenya in particular could embrace the current proposed bill on energy to ensure that production of energy is in tandem with demand.
This is why Wachiuri acknowledges the fact that feasibility studies be done prior to determine enough demand before the roll out of the power purchase agreements. Another aspect that Wachiuri supports is the fact that the feasibility studies will also ensure a research on need analysis to consider upscaling of power production and generation by the Independent Power Producers – IPPS.
The place of renewable energy and it is dependable availability will also spur the economy through providing power for energy efficient vehicles and machines. Great steps have been made especially in the transport sector with the launch of the electric vehile charging and battery swapping infrastructure guidelines that were developed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory and launched on 14th September 2023 by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Davis Chirchir in Nairobi.
George Wachiuri is a celebrated author with three books to his name, including “Soaring like an Eagle,” “Unleash Your Full Potential,” and “After The Plunge.” He is also a philanthropist, motivational speaker, lecturer, and church elder.
For more information,
- Contact Optiven at: 0790 300300 / 0723 400500
- Website: https://www.optiven.co.ke
