NAIROBI (AFP) – Kenya on Wednesday unveiled extensive plans to invest in renewable energy, including free distribution of one million energy-saving light bulbs in exchange for ordinary bulbs.
The measures announced by Prime Minister Raila Odinga also include subsidising the price of solar water heaters for public institutions, firms and households.
"The free distribution of energy-saving bulbs is expected to save 49 megawatts of power," Odinga said after an inaugural meeting of the country's National Task Force on Accelerated Development of Green Energy.
The move came a day after Kenya's power generating company announced the closure of one of its the hydroelectric plants due to low water levels caused by drought.
In addition, firms investing in local production of energy-saving bulbs, solar water heaters and other energy-saving devices will be offered interest free, long-term loans.
Kenya also plans to produce an additional 2,000 megawatts of electricity in the next three years through geothermal, wind and other sources such as solar, biogas and solid waste, Odinga said.
Currently the country of 37 million people produces 1,080 megawatts of power and consumption reaches close to 1,000 at peak hours. It has also been recording an eight percent increase in electricity demand every year.