Nakuru County’s Deputy Governor, H.E. David Kones, joined by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, inaugurated the 4th edition of Clean Cooking Week at Nyayo Gardens. This event is dedicated to advancing cleaner and healthier cooking practices in Kenya.
Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (MoEP) and Nakuru County in collaboration with the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya (CCAK), Clean Cooking Week aims to promote innovative clean cooking solutions, attract investments in the cooking sub-sector, and acknowledge excellence in planning and budgeting for clean cooking projects.
In representing Governor Susan Kihika, Mr. Kones emphasized Nakuru’s significant contributions to renewable energy, particularly in geothermal, solar, and wind energy. He revealed that Nakuru has developed ambitious energy strategic plans to ensure clean energy access for residents by 2030. Currently, 88.5% of Nakuru’s population has access to electricity, with Kuresoi North and South lagging behind at 24-28% connectivity.
Energy Principal Secretary, Alex Wachira, praised Governor Susan Kihika’s energy sector policies and noted that Nakuru provides the national grid with 49% of its base load through geothermal energy. He further disclosed that the Ministry of Energy and the Japan International Cooperation Agency will collaborate to facilitate last-mile connectivity in Kuresoi North and South, with the goal of achieving 100% electricity access.
The event was attended by Nakuru County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura, Kennedy Barasa (Chief Officer of Environment, Energy, Climate Change & Natural Resources), representatives from the Japan Embassy, UNDP, GiZ, development partners, and energy sector stakeholders. This initiative takes significant steps towards a cleaner and greener approach to cooking, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for the residents of Nakuru County.