By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 06, 2026 - The National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Energy has subjected three major policy and legislative proposals to stakeholder scrutiny, with lawmakers raising concerns over electricity access disparities, nuclear energy plans, and local participation in Kenya's energy sector.
The committee, chaired by Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, held consultations on the proposed National Energy Policy (Sessional Paper No. 5 of 2026), the National Petroleum Policy (Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2026), and the Local Content Bill, 2023, which are expected to shape the future direction of the country's energy and petroleum industries.
The discussions brought together representatives from government ministries, regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and industry players to review reforms aimed at enhancing energy access, strengthening petroleum governance, and increasing benefits to local communities.
During the session, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira told the committee that despite progress in electrification, about 10.23 million Kenyans still lack access to electricity.
He outlined a 10-year strategy intended to achieve universal electricity access by 2030 while transitioning Kenya from a centralized single off-taker model to a more competitive and liberalized energy market.
However, lawmakers questioned how the policy would address regional disparities in power access, particularly in northern Kenya.
Garissa County Woman Representative Amina Siyat highlighted persistent challenges facing counties such as Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, and Tana River.
"How does the policy address inequality in electricity access, particularly Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit and Tana River, which continue to experience unreliable power supply?" she asked.
The consultations also examined government plans to introduce nuclear energy as part of efforts to strengthen long-term energy security and improve grid stability. The proposal drew both interest and caution from members of the committee.
Ruiru MP Simon King’ara sought clarification on Kenya's preparedness to venture into nuclear power generation, questioning the criteria being used to identify potential sites for the project.
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Attention later shifted to the proposed National Petroleum Policy, which seeks to modernize the country's oil and gas governance framework for the first time in more than 20 years. The policy aims to promote sustainable petroleum exploration and production, improve regulation, and increase value addition within the sector.
Lawmakers expressed concern about Kenya's continued dependence on imported petroleum products despite discoveries in Turkana.
Nyatike MP Tom Odege challenged government officials to explain whether the country was ready to refine and process its own petroleum resources to reduce exposure to global market disruptions and volatile fuel prices.
The committee also reviewed the proposed Local Content Bill, sponsored by Senator Oburu Odinga, which seeks to increase local ownership, financing, and participation in energy and petroleum projects.
Stakeholders largely supported the Bill, describing it as a critical tool for empowering Kenyan businesses and professionals. However, some called for stronger safeguards to prevent fronting arrangements and loopholes that could undermine genuine local participation.
Meanwhile, legislators sought updates on the implementation of the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, with Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo asking officials to disclose the funding required to connect the remaining households that still lack electricity.
Representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Engineers Board of Kenyaurged policymakers to ensure that energy expansion efforts are implemented alongside environmental protection measures and adherence to professional standards.
As stakeholder consultations continue, the committee emphasized that the proposed reforms must deliver a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive energy sector while ensuring that communities across the country benefit from Kenya's natural resources.