The findings are based on an analysis of the policy landscape and interactions between key policy objectives, as well as a set of interviews. The results and recommendations from this analysis were discussed and validated in a workshop with 25 experts and decision-makers on 7 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

A just energy transition in Kenya that enables the country to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway requires coherence between policies and action on energy, climate, poverty and inequality reduction. The analysis of interaction between policy objectives in Kenya’s just energy transition found that prioritizing investments in renewable energy is the goal with the highest synergetic potential and contributes to economic growth, energy access, and reductions in poverty, inequality and greenhouse gas emissions. The equity goals related to industrialization and job creation highly conflict with greenhouse gas emission reduction in the industry and transport sectors.

Despite the current transition towards increased renewable electricity generation, conflicts remain between deployment of renewable energy and affordability of electricity. Thus, this transition has not necessarily led to equitable outcomes.

Institutional barriers are key drivers of incoherence, hindering progress on economic growth, poverty and inequality reduction and subsequently greenhouse gas emission reduction in energy demand sectors. Interests and power dynamics in the electricity market influence the affordability of electricity and are drivers of incoherence and exacerbate inequality.