KAKAMEGA COUNTY PUSHES FOR CLEAN COOKING TRANSITION

H.E. Dr. Fernandes Barasa today reiterated the importance of transition to clean cooking as a key pillar in a society’s development. Governor Barasa said this in a statement read on his behalf by the CECM, Roads, Energy and Public works, Architect Patrick Kundu during a multisectoral meeting on Accelerating County Cooking Transitions (A2CT) Project.

The program, funded by UK-PACT and implemented by SNV, GAMOS East Africa, and the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, seeks to support the development of a County Clean Cooking Transition Policy aligned with the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy (KNCTS 2024–2030) and the Integrated National Energy Plan.

The Governor noted that the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) prioritizes a shift to clean energy across several sectors including cooking, lighting, transport, manufacturing, agriculture, waste management, and urban infrastructure.

Governor Barasa highlighted that while national clean cooking adoption stands at 24%, Kakamega County currently is at 9%, largely due to its predominantly rural population. However, the county has secured approximately Ksh. 3 billion to support rural electrification which will significantly support the transition and align with national targets that aim to reduce woodstove use to 3%; charcoal to 2%; while increasing LPG adoption to 50% and bioethanol use to 30%.

He expressed optimism that the upcoming policy will reflect local environmental realities and investment opportunities. The Accelerating County Cooking Transitions (A2CT) Project was officially launched at the close of the meeting.

The meeting was attended by officials from the British High Commission led by Climate Change Portfolio Manager, Ms. Robinah Abuya, the SNV County Director for Kenya & Rwanda, chief officers led by Eng. Joseph Sweta (roads and energy ) among other senior officials.