Power Africa, a US government initiative to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa, launched the Guide to Community Engagement for Power Projects in Kenya on Wednesday. The guide outlines how electricity producers can best engage with electricity consumers.Power Africa, a US government initiative to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa, launched the Guide to Community Engagement for Power Projects in Kenya on Wednesday. The guide outlines how electricity producers can best engage with electricity consumers.
“This Guide is a critical addition to the Power Africa partnership. It is designed to offer power project developers information on community engagement,” said US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec.
While Kenya has a dynamic, private sector-driven power industry, community concerns have impacted the completion of these projects in the past.
The guide provides approaches on the best community engagement practices for infrastructure developers, at each project stage, as well as pitfalls to avoid.
“The Government of Kenya supports all efforts to develop electricity infrastructure in a way that respects the values and traditions of our country’s diverse communities,” said Charles Keter, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
“This guide from Power Africa is a comprehensive and practical tool that will help developers foster inclusive and mutually beneficial relationships with communities across Kenya, and ultimately help us reach our shared goals of Universal Electricity Access.”
Developed with input from local communities, government agencies, private sector developers, finance institutions, and Kenyan and international civil society organisations, the guide features real-world examples.
It is also customised to reflect country-specific laws, customs and institutions that developers in Kenya must navigate. (via African News Agency)
