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| Kenya will benefit from hosting new Chinese renewable energy bases | |
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 The construction site of the China-built Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Kenya on October 16, 2023 (XINHUA)
Aden Barrow, 45, lives in Garissa, a town in Kenya's northeastern region. His household uses renewable energy for all daily electricity needs, including powering their home and irrigating crops on the 1.2-hectare farm. "Solar-powered irrigation helps me produce larger quantities of crops such as tomatoes, bananas, mangoes and kale, which I then sell to nearby supermarkets and hotels. Although I am connected to the national grid, I also generate biogas from animal waste, mostly from cows and pigs," Barrow said, adding that customers are drawn to his produce, which is grown using clean energy, as they are becoming more conscious of environmental protection. Chinese solar initiative Barrow's solar equipment and power supply are provided by the Chinese company Jinko Solar, a global leader in solar and storage solutions, in partnership with China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd. The nearby solar plant generates electricity for approximately 70,000 homes in the town. This 54.64-megawatt (mw) solar power plant is one of the largest in East Africa and plays a crucial role in boosting the region's renewable energy capacity. By the end of this year, Chinese renewable energy companies, including Shenzhen Power-Solution, Esavior Green Energy and Jinko Solar, plan to set up regional headquarters in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. This initiative is expected to increase the country's renewable energy capacity by an additional 3,000 mw, according to Alex Kamau Wachira, Principal Secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, who further noted that the companies have been holding regular meetings with the Kenyan Government to facilitate this decision. At the 2023 China-Africa Sustainable Investment Summit in Nairobi last November, Kenya's green energy stakeholders encouraged Chinese investors to invest in Kenya and the African continent's renewable energy sector for sustainable development. The summit attracted Chinese business leaders seeking investment opportunities.  A solar power farm in Garissa, Kenya, on December 13, 2019 (XINHUA)
"There are future-oriented partnerships between Kenya and China. Kenya's economy is growing despite many challenges. There are also several Kenyan companies in China that are flourishing," said Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian. "Kenya's energy sector is the pillar of its economic growth and development. It is an example for the region." On July 2, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held talks with the Chinese ambassador. Gachagua stated that the discussions centered on "key areas of mutual interest between the two nations, including enhancing trade and investment." He emphasized the "strong and friendly relations between Kenya and the People's Republic of China," which are based on "mutual trust and benefit, particularly in the areas of trade and development." Meanwhile, Wachira said the growing international investment in renewable energy aligns with Kenya's ambitious energy goal, i.e., transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by the end of the decade, underscoring the economic and environmental impact of these developments. "Close to 90 percent of Kenya's energy supply is renewable energy. We get energy from hydro, geothermal, solar plants and animal waste. We hope to reach 100 percent as soon as possible," said Wachira, adding that plans are underway to phase out diesel generators and increase reliance on clean energy alternatives. These advancements in renewable energy also resonate with global concerns about climate change and the sustainable development drive.  Workers inspect equipment at a geothermal power plant in Nakuru, Kenya, on May 26, 2023 (XINHUA)
For the people Wachira is enthusiastic about the progress made in Garissa. "Garissa is a beacon of hope for renewable energy in Kenya, showcasing how solar power can transform lives and communities," said Wachira. "The town, with its big solar power plant, is a testament to the potential of renewable energy in meeting the country's energy demands sustainably. Also, China's role in technology transfer is vital." Barrow's experience is a microcosm of the broader shift toward renewable energy in Kenya. His ability to produce larger crop yields, thanks to solar-powered irrigation, is not just a personal success story, but also serves as a model for other farmers in the region. The solar irrigation system enables him to grow a variety of crops year-round, which is critical in a region that faces periodic droughts and water shortages. Experts say the involvement of established Chinese companies like Jinko Solar is a key factor in the growth of Kenya's renewable energy sector. These companies bring in advanced technology and substantial financial investment, both of which are essential for the large-scale deployment of solar power projects. "The establishment of regional headquarters [by Chinese companies] in Nairobi underscores the strategic importance of Kenya in China's Africa policy," said Wachira. He explained that China's role in Kenya's renewable energy sector is not limited to technology and investment, but also includes capacity building and training for local technicians and engineers. This transfer of knowledge and skills is vital for the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector in Kenya. The Garissa solar power plant is a flagship project in this green energy revolution. It not only provides clean energy to thousands of homes, but also sets a precedent for future projects in other parts of Kenya, where solar potential is high. The environmental benefits of pivoting to renewable energy are clear. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels means lower carbon emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. For Kenya, which is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, this shift is especially important. Economically, renewable energy projects create jobs and stimulate local economies. In Garissa, for example, the solar power plant has created employment opportunities for locals, from construction to maintenance. The increased availability of reliable electricity also supports small businesses and encourages new ventures. Looking ahead, the future of renewable energy in Kenya is bright. Wachira said the government's supportive policies, coupled with international investment, are paving the way for rapid expansion. As more regions such as Turkana County, Kitui County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kisumu County and Marsabit County are following Garissa's example, Kenya is set to become a leader in renewable energy in Africa. Efforts to integrate more renewable energy into the national grid are ongoing. Projects like the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, a 365-turbine wind farm providing 17 percent of Kenya's national grid capacity, and the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, one of the largest of its kind in the world, complement the solar initiatives, ensuring a diversified and resilient energy mix, according to Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. (Print Edition Title: Powering Up Lives) This article was first published in ChinAfrica magazine Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon Comments to dingying@cicgamericas.com |
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