Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett, National Oil Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gideon Leparan Morintat among other local leaders pose for a Photo during the Unveiling of a Costed 10-Year Green Energy Plan on September 18. 2024. Photo Governor's Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni County is set to unveil its first-ever Energy Policy tomorrow, September 30, 2025, at the Governor’s office in Wote. The event will be graced by the British High Commissioner to Kenya alongside Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., underscoring the county’s growing role in advancing clean energy solutions.
The policy marks a significant milestone in the county’s journey towards universal access to affordable, sustainable, and reliable modern energy. It builds on the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023–2032, launched last year, which mapped out energy needs, opportunities, and challenges while setting a roadmap for cleaner and more efficient energy use.
Governor Mutula said the policy is both people-centered and future-focused. “This is about securing a sustainable future for our people while ensuring no one is left behind. With this policy, Makueni is setting the pace for localized energy planning in Kenya,” he noted ahead of the launch.
Developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute (WRI), Just Energy Transition Africa (JETA), and local stakeholders, the policy provides the legislative and institutional backing needed to turn Makueni’s energy ambitions into reality.
At the heart of the new framework is a vision to expand electricity and clean cooking access across every household, while promoting renewable energy solutions such as solar mini-grids and sustainable transport systems.
The policy also places emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation, from modern street lighting that boosts security to green technologies that cut costs and emissions.
Beyond the technical aspects, it is designed to stimulate economic growth by creating green jobs, attracting investments, and encouraging enterprises to harness energy for productive use.
Importantly, the policy is inclusive, deliberately ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities play an active role in shaping and benefiting from the county’s energy future.
The benefits to residents are expected to be far-reaching. Cleaner cooking methods will drastically reduce health risks from indoor air pollution, while reliable electricity in schools and hospitals will strengthen education and healthcare. Businesses will thrive with extended working hours, better infrastructure, and improved security through street lighting.
Experts say the policy positions Makueni as a model for clean energy transition in Kenya and beyond. Its focus on renewable energy and climate resilience is expected to attract critical investments while reducing reliance on kerosene and diesel, safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The presence of the British High Commissioner at the launch signals international support and partnership in Kenya’s energy transition agenda.
“This policy is not just about energy—it is about economic growth, health, equity, and environmental stewardship. Makueni is leading by example,” said one of the technical experts involved in the drafting process.
