The increase in the prices of crude oil makes Kenya to spend a lot of foreign exchange in importation. This lowers the foreign currency reserve which brings about unfavorable balance of trade which slows down the rate of economic growth.
Increase in oil prices triggers the increase in the prices of commodities leading to low standards/high cost of living
Increases in oil prices leads to increase in the prices of farm inputs which in turn leads to reduced agricultural production/leads to food crisis.
The high cost of fuels increases the cost of production slowing down industrial growth.
To mitigate the energy crisis in the country, several measures can be taken, including:
Developing Alternative Sources of Energy: Promoting the development and utilization of alternative energy sources such as solar power, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric power (HEP). This diversifies the energy mix and reduces reliance on petroleum. It involves investing in infrastructure, incentivizing renewable energy projects, and creating a conducive policy environment for their growth.
Energy Management and Conservation: Implementing energy management practices and conservation measures can help reduce energy consumption and optimize energy use. This includes promoting energy-efficient technologies, conducting energy audits, raising awareness about energy-saving practices, and adopting energy-efficient building designs.
Nuclear Energy Development: Exploring the potential for nuclear energy as a long-term solution to meet the country’s energy needs. This involves conducting feasibility studies, addressing safety concerns, building necessary infrastructure, and establishing regulatory frameworks for the development and operation of nuclear power plants.
Coal Utilization: Encouraging industries to use coal as an alternative to petroleum. Coal can be a relatively cheaper energy source, and its utilization can help reduce dependence on imported petroleum. However, it is essential to ensure environmentally sustainable and clean coal technologies to minimize the environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency Standards and Regulations: Implementing and enforcing energy efficiency standards and regulations across different sectors. This includes setting minimum energy performance standards for appliances and equipment, promoting energy-efficient industrial processes, and enforcing energy efficiency codes for buildings.
Research and Development: Investing in research and development to explore innovative solutions for energy production, storage, and distribution. This includes supporting research institutions, universities, and private sector collaborations to develop new technologies, improve existing systems, and optimize energy management practices.
Regional Cooperation: Collaborating with neighboring countries and regional organizations to enhance energy cooperation, share resources, and explore cross-border energy trade opportunities. This can help diversify energy sources, ensure energy security, and optimize resource utilization within the region.
By implementing these measures, Kenya can mitigate the energy crisis, ensure a sustainable and affordable energy supply, reduce reliance on petroleum, and promote the transition to a more diversified and resilient energy sector.
