Increased energy supply will spur economic plans

Kenya's demand for cheap and reliable energy is increasing daily and we must look for ways to boost power generation in the face of unreliable hydro power supply.

Electricity is one of the key enablers of economic growth in Kenya as identified in the Vision 2030 blueprint whose flagship projects are projected to increase the demand for electricity in the country.

Currently, an installed capacity of about 1,700mw is too little to power the massive development plans the country has identified. Experts have noted that an increase in growth in the local economy has been stretching supply, calling for development and expansion of renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and geothermal.

The supply of modern energy always mirrors the economic fortunes of any country; nations leading in power generation in the world are also the economic super powers. And for Kenya to reach where the economic super powers are faster, energy supply must become a priority.

Making available quality, adequate and affordable power to all Kenyan homes and industries will spur the much-needed economic growth. This will also certainly act as an assured catalyst to socio-economic transformation in our country.

Modern energy supply must be top on the list if Vision 2030 is to become a reality. How else will the country power electric trains? How will we run the Konza Tech City that is expected to dramatically raise the demand for power in the country?

However, so far, so good - the Government has embarked on a transformative plan to bring 5,000-plus megawatts by 2016.