Lodwar, Mar 30, 2026.(Public Communication and Media Relations).
Turkana County has begun aligning its energy strategy with the Energy (Integrated National Energy Plan) Regulations, 2025, following a sensitisation forum led by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The regulations provide a 20-year rolling framework for Kenya’s energy sector and require closer coordination between national and county governments in planning and implementation.
Speaking during the forum, County Director for Energy and Petroleum Jackson Lojore said the county will integrate its existing five-year energy plan with the national framework.
“As a county, we are mandated to undertake energy reticulation, distribution and exploration of resources. These regulations provide a structured pathway to align our priorities with national goals,” he said.
Lojore noted that Turkana, which remains largely off-grid, presents significant opportunities for investment in renewable energy and emerging technologies.
He added that the county is expanding solarisation across key sectors, including water and agriculture, while working to ensure affordability through improved pricing frameworks.
An EPRA Energy Planning Officer, Johnes Osano, said the sensitisation forum was critical in strengthening county participation in national energy planning.
“The regulations support innovative financing and partnership models, including the possibility of counties acquiring mini-grids and subsidising tariffs to make energy affordable,” he said.
Osano added that counties are required to establish multisectoral energy planning committees and submit their plans to ensure local priorities—such as off-grid systems, infrastructure and renewable energy adoption—are incorporated into national planning.
The Deputy Director for Energy, Geoffrey Eregae, emphasised the need for increased investment in renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered boreholes to support water access and agriculture.
He said the county is also promoting clean cooking initiatives to reduce reliance on traditional fuels and improve household welfare.
Assistant Director for Environment William Mbotela said the new framework creates an enabling environment for private sector participation, particularly in the development of mini-grids in remote areas.
The forum brought together officials from the county government, EPRA and other stakeholders to enhance awareness and support implementation of the regulations
