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The political economy of least cost power planning in Kenya

Onsongo, E; Eludoyin, EO; Tesfamichael, M; Tomei, J; (2025) The political economy of least cost power planning in Kenya. Energy Policy , 207 , Article 114819. 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114819.

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Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is considered one of the frontier countries in developing long-term energy plans, locally known as Least Cost Power Development Plans (LCPDP). This paper scopes out how the 1) actors, interests and power dynamics, 2) the institutions and policy, and 3) decision making and implementation practices underpinning the electricity sub-sector in Kenya shape the LCPDP processes. We review the country's power sector policies, legislation and plans, along with in-depth semi-structured interviews with key informants across the sub-sector. Insights from the analysis show that participation gaps exist. Although planning committees include sector utilities, civil society remains left out. Further, county energy plans are either underdeveloped or inexistent, and thus, there is a missed opportunity for CEPs to inform the national LCPDP. Further, there are still gaps and misalignments in the policy framework which have created loopholes for including non-least cost projects. Finally, a political culture of patronage and adherence to a bureaucratic chain of command plays a significant role in sector developments, sometimes overriding technical consensus. We recommend better coordination of national and county energy planning, and opening up the planning process to civil society participation. The process would also benefit from building broader political independence.

Type: Article
Title: The political economy of least cost power planning in Kenya
DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114819
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114819
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > STEaPP
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > Bartlett School Env, Energy and Resources
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10213865
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