Acting PS Mohamed Birik Highlights Kenya's Electricity Access Milestone at EPRA Conference
The Acting Principal Secretary for the State Department for Petroleum, Mohamed Birik, delivered a speech on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, during the 7th Annual EPRA Research and Innovation Conference. He highlighted that more than 80 percent of Kenyans have access to electricity, marking a significant increase from about 32 percent reported in 2013.
Birik noted that the progress has been driven by government initiatives, including extending electrification to underserved and remote areas. This has been achieved through innovative solutions such as mini-grids, off-grid systems, and the Last Mile connectivity program, which are helping to close the access gap more effectively.
The conference, themed "Advancing Energy Affordability and Security in Sustainable Development," brought together experts who contribute to research and the body of knowledge for the energy sector.