Governors call for clear guidelines on electricity and gas distribution

County governments have called on the Senate to clarify their roles in energy distribution and to increase funding for energy projects at the local level.

This plea was made on Tuesday during a meeting between the Senate Standing Committee on Energy and the Council of Governors (CoG), where governors outlined the challenges they face in implementing energy functions.

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, who chairs the CoG's Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Energy, told senators that while county governments have been collaborating with national agencies and the private sector to expand energy access, financial constraints and unclear roles have hindered their ability to manage energy projects effectively.

"County governments are unable to fully implement the electrification mandate due to financial constraints and the fact that resources meant for the devolved function are appropriated to National Agencies such as REREC (Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation)," he explained.

On behalf of the 47 governors, Mohamud highlighted ongoing partnerships with REREC through the Matching Fund Programme, aimed at expanding electricity access in rural and underserved areas.

Insufficient funds

However, the governors pointed out that the resources allocated for energy projects are often controlled by national agencies, leaving counties with insufficient funds to implement local electrification programmes.

Governor Mohamud cited examples of successful partnerships between county governments and the private sector.

For instance, Busia County has partnered with KUDURA Power to develop mini-grids in areas not connected to the national grid.

While these initiatives have helped bring power to remote areas, the governors emphasised the need for more direct control over funding and energy distribution.

Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, acknowledged the need for a legislative framework that clearly defines the roles of national and county governments in energy distribution.

"There is a need for legislation to guide county governments on how they should implement electricity reticulation," he said, stressing that a clear legal framework would help streamline the process.

The Council of Governors recommended that the national government retain responsibility for large-scale power generation and high-voltage transmission, while county governments should focus on local electricity distribution, renewable energy development, and small-scale hydropower projects.

The governors also proposed that Kenya Generating Company manage large power plants, Kenya Transmission Corporation handle high-voltage transmission, and Kenya Power Company oversee wholesale electricity supply.

Gas distribution

The issue of gas distribution also came up during the meeting. The Council of Governors expressed concern about the lack of infrastructure for gas reticulation systems in counties.

Unlike electricity, the country primarily relies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is transported by trucks and distributed in cylinders.

There is no national policy or legal framework to guide the implementation of a centralised gas reticulation system at the county level.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna supported the governors' call for a national policy on gas distribution.

"There is a need for national policy and legislation to guide county governments on how they should implement gas reticulation," Senator Sifuna said, adding that a comprehensive policy would ensure a more efficient and coordinated gas distribution system across the country.

In addition to these issues, the governors also discussed the importance of proper spatial planning in facilitating energy infrastructure.

Many counties have already earmarked land for centralised petroleum tanker parking, a key component in LPG distribution.

However, without a clear legal framework, these plans have yet to be fully realised.

The Council of Governors called for a comprehensive approach to energy delivery that involves both the public and private sectors, with the national government providing the necessary resources, legal framework, and coordination.

Governor Mohamud stressed the need for both clear roles and adequate funding to ensure that county governments can meet the energy needs of their populations.

"Without proper legal and financial frameworks, counties cannot fully meet the energy needs of their populations. The Senate's support in providing clear roles and adequate resources will be crucial for the success of energy projects at the local level," he said.