The government should accelerate investment in solar farms, rooftop solar systems and battery storage /FILE

By Editor / Star

As the cost of food, transport, rent, education and healthcare continues to rise, Kenyans are feeling the weight of an increasingly expensive economy.

One major contributor to this burden is the country's heavy dependence on imported petroleum products, which exposes consumers to global oil price shocks and exchange-rate fluctuations.

Recent data shows that Kenya imported more than 10.4 billion litres of petroleum products last year, while the fuel import bill exceeded Sh528 billion in 2026.

Whenever international crude oil prices rise, the effects are immediately felt through higher transport costs, increased production expenses and soaring prices of essential goods. 

Yet Kenya is uniquely positioned to reduce this dependence. Located on the equator, the country enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. Solar energy remains an underutilised resource despite its enormous potential.

While renewable energy already accounts for nearly 79 per cent of electricity supplied to the national grid, solar contributes only about three to four per cent of total generation. 

The government should accelerate investment in solar farms, rooftop solar systems and battery storage while offering incentives for households and businesses to adopt clean energy. Electric vehicles should also be promoted through tax incentives and charging infrastructure.

Energy is the engine of every economy. By embracing solar power and reducing reliance on diesel and petrol, Kenya can lower the cost of living, strengthen energy security, create jobs and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.