The Special Fund Accounts Committee today carried out inspection visits to various Energy Centres funded by Petroleum Development Levy Fund in Kericho, Kisii, Busia and Kakamega Counties.
This follows a resolution by the Committee which had previously examined the audited financial statements of the Petroleum Development Levy Fund and sought to verify information as contained in the reports of the Auditor-General.
During the visit to Busia Energy Center, Members of the Committee were informed that the center serves Siaya, Busia and part of Bungoma County through promoting the development and adoption of renewable sources of energy.
Additionally, the Energy centre offers demonstration, training and technical support on the application of various renewable energy technologies and energy conservation techniques to to the surrounding communities. Furthermore, the Busia Energy Center also disseminates information on renewable energy through extension visits field days, exhibitions and provide technical assistance to individual households and institutions with respect to construction of biogas plant and other relevant renewable energy technology suited to the areas of jurisdiction.
Members of the Committee expressed concern over the lack of modern renewable energy solutions that would impact the surrounding communities. The Committee further observed that the facilities at the Busia Energy Center are severely underutilized due to lack of public awareness.
Representatives from the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation in their submissions informed the Special Fund Accounts Committee that pursuant to Section 44 (1) of the Energy Act 2019, the functions relating to renewable energy which were earlier performed by the Ministry of Energy specifically the energy centres were transferred to REREC and that they were in the process of remodelling the Energy Centers to enhance sustainability and suitability to the dynamic needs of surrounding communities.
At Bukura Energy Center located in Lurambi Sub- county, Kakamega County, the area manager informed Members present that the Center was established in 1981 and it serves Kakamega, Vihiga and part of Kisumu Counties.
While undertaking the inspections, the Members of the Special Fund Accounts Committee acknowledged the innovative use of solar water pumps have enhanced production of a tree seedling nursery in the centre.
The Committee also inspected several types of biogas plants, modern zero grazing units and solar lighting systems.
Members observed that despite the center’s well equipped facilities, residents of the surrounding areas where not well informed and had been underutilizing facilities and resources offered at the centres. The Committee further noted that the Energy Centers have immense potential to positively impact the community.
Members urged the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) to rethink and repurpose the centers to provide value to the community and develop strategies to make the Energy Centers self sustainable.
Members present during the inspection visit are Hon. Dennitah Ghati, Hon. Kivasu Nzioka, Hon. Shakeel Shabbir, Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose, Hon. Esther Passaris, Hon. Marwa Kitayama and Hon. Justus Kizito.
