Kenya is still suffering from a chronic power shortage that needs to be addressed, if the country is to curb the current power outages.
Speaking during the inauguration of the global provider of temporary power and temperature control services Aggreko, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi urged more investors to step in and arrest the situation, considering the rapid growth in the middle class.
“The middle class is growing at a higher rate and there is need more investors to come into the energy sector, if we are to provide enough lighting to Kenyans,” said Kiraitu.
The Imenti South lawmaker noted that the government has intensified the search for natural gas to build on the recently oil news in Turkana, so that they can create more wealth in the country.
Following a study funded by World Bank, the country is currently weighing on the possibility of exporting oil from other countries and storing it in Kilifi County. “We are planning to weigh the possibility of exporting oil from oil producing countries and storing it at Kilifi, and then distribute it to other regions in the country,” added Kiraitu.
He thanked Aggreko for supporting customers when power supply outstrips the government’s potential.
Aggreko CEO Rupert Soames said that the country should broaden its horizons in renewable energy sources to keep pace with the development, lest development and population growth outdo the energy reserves in the country.
“The population is growing rapidly and the country has no other option other than diversify its energy sources in the renewable front to meet the energy requirements,” said Soames.
