Realising Sustainable Use of Biomass Energy in Kenya: Appraising the Regulatory and Institutional Framework

Journal of Conflict Management and Sustainable Development


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Abstract: Increasingly the world has been shifting toward cleaner and sustainable energy to ensure sustainable development in the energy industry. This calls on every country to ensure affordable, secure, and clean energy for its citizens. Achieving this s resource heavy and requires technical skills that most developing and third-world countries do not have. As developed countries rely on alternative energy sources such as electricity to power cars, cook, and for heating, developing countries rely on traditional bioenergy for cooking and heating, and Kenya is no exception. Kenya has experienced an exponential increase in the demand for biomass energy. This has been particularly so in light of the increasing human population, urbanization, and the high cost of alternative energy sources. In Kenya, most households rely on charcoal conversion kilns, charcoal stoves, and woodlots. It is worth noting that this demand has led to inefficient production and utilization mechanisms that pose a threat to the environment and the health of many. It is expected that with the increase in fuel prices by the introduction of the value-added tax of 8% on petroleum products, the cost of living and price of alternative sources of energy will equally soar; therefore, the demand for biomass will continue to increase. Ergo, ensuring safe and sustainable use of biomass is therefore important. This calls for an efficient regulatory and institutional framework over biomass. The object of this essay is to examine and appraise Kenya's regulatory and institutional framework over biomass and proffer recommendations for the better and sustainable use of biomass.

Author:
Oseko Louis D Obure
Theme/Sector:
Biomass, Energy and Fuels, Renewable Energy
Year
2022

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