Journalists have been urged to promote the energy development agenda through quality and factual reporting of initiatives and projects being undertaken in the sector.
Speakers at the Energy Journalism Excellence Awards (EJEA) gala dinner held last night, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter said the media should help Kenyans understand current efforts by the Government to enhance access to affordable, reliable and environmental friendly power.
During the gala night marked by pomp and colour at Safari Park Hotel, several journalists were awarded for excelling in reporting on energy issues.
Keter told guests that the Ministry would help build the capacities of the media to report effectively on the industry.
The CS cited the Energy Journalists Academies that targeted reporters in various counties as one of the ways through which the media are being equipped with information on projects being undertaken in the sector.
“We would like to encourage and sustain positive and objective media coverage of energy and petroleum issues by helping journalists understand our projects. The public can only have a better understanding of Government’s initiatives when the media that they look up to as sources of information are themselves well informed,” he said.
He said Kenya was fast-tracking investments in the energy sector to lower the cost of power and address climate change.
“We have reduced reliance on thermal energy which is now limited to emergency situations as a standby power source. In June 2015, thermal energy accounted for 19.2% of Kenya’s total production,” he added.
The Government is implementing various projects aimed at enhancing access to affordable and clean energy to all Kenyans.
He disclosed that more than 5 million households have been connected to power as at July this year under the Last Mile project.
The initiatives also include connection of electricity to public institutions through which it has provided support for electrification of 5,000 public primary schools, with 4,481 electrified through the National Grid and 603 through Solar PV. The same has been extended to health facilities and trading centres.
Keter, however, regretted that the Government’s desire to fast-track distribution and access of power was being hindered by availability of wayleaves for power lines.
“When people know there are power lines to be developed they rush to put up structures along the way and over value the land,” he said.
KenGen MD and CEO Albert Mugo said there was a need for the country to develop a viable model that sustains quality journalism.
“There is no doubt that giving Energy journalists the recognition they deserve will encourage excellence in reporting, and help to bring energy matters from the periphery of the news agenda into the mainstream, which is where they rightfully belong,” said Eng Mugo.
He lauded the media for highlighting Kenya’s stories and achievements in the energy sector.
“The country needs journalists like you to do its marketing and advocacy work, not only in the political arena, but even more importantly, in promoting its energy development agenda,” he told the gathering of professionals from the media and energy sectors.