The 2nd National Round Table Forum on “Energy accessibility & efficiency in Kenya” was held on March 10th at the Nairobi Campus of Moi University in the framework of the ENRICH & SUCCEED Network ACP S&T and Edulink projects.

The event was jointly organized by Moi University, African Virtual University and the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Kenya, with the support of the University of Alicante, coordinator of the ENRICH and SUCCEED Network Projects.

The aim of the Round Table was to bring together the main stakeholders in the field of energy in Kenya (including higher management and researchers from Higher Education Institutions, research & project managers, policy makers, managers from energy industries, experts) to exchange ideas and discuss energy issues at a national level in Kenya.

The specific objectives of the National Round Table were to:

• Discuss problems and issues in the field of Energy affecting National Stakeholders, with the idea of identifying where the Higher Education System could contribute with specific services/input.
• Enhance awareness of the real needs of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) related to energy access and efficiency in Kenya.
• Encourage dialogue and strengthen co-operation links in the energy sector at national level among academia, researchers, industries and policy makers.
• Present the ENRICH & Succeed Network projects and their developments.

The National Round Table brought together several relevant stakeholders in the field of Energy in Kenya, including representatives from African Virtual University, Moi University, Technical University of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Directorate of Research Management & Development of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation and Mandera County Government.

During the Round Table the East Africa Energy Access and Efficiency Network (EAENet) was presented to the audience. Participants agreed that there are a variety of funding initiatives supporting Renewable Energy research among HEI, however there is a need to link up all these funding initiatives through a coordinated effort. A national university or entity is required and perhaps EAENet could be the appropriate initiative to propel this process.

The Agenda is available below and the full Report of the Round Table “Energy accessibility & efficiency in Kenya” is available on our website.