Energy & Mining

A stable and expanding energy supply is central to Kenya’s ambition to establish itself as an industrialised middle-income country, as set out in its Vision 2030 development strategy. The nation is fortunate in its energy mix: hydro, geothermal, solar and wind energy already play a significant role in power generation, and – particularly in the case of geothermal – there is room for further expansion. Recent oil finds in the South Lokichar Basin may soon feed into the segment and establish Kenya as a hydrocarbons exporter for the first time. For the private sector, the promulgation of the new Energy Bill and Mining Act promise to open up these closely related sectors to increased domestic and foreign investment. If fully implemented, the legislation can be expected to provide the necessary framework to support investment and the expansion of both sectors. This chapter contains interviews with John Munyes, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Mining; and Johnson Ole Nchoe, Managing Director and CEO, Geothermal Development Company.