The Kenya government's decision to hold an Energy Conference with stakeholders in the wake of soaring oil-influenced commodity prices is worthy of commendation.

However, disturbing questions still linger: Must the government wait for public outcry before initiating such a move? Why hasn't it invested in the copious supply of solar energy in the country? Why isn't it harnessing the ocean waves, tides and wind among others? Must we always wait for donors to define energy for us? It is the hope of many Kenyans that the hike in electricity prices is not deliberately ochestrated by the government to cover for costs incurred during the post-poll chaos; fund the bloated cabinet and raise public outcry so that the government can step in to regulate the sector.

 

African governments should take measures to reduce their dependence on imported energy through conservation and diversification of energy sources such as the vast rivers we have. We are endowed with a lot of energy which is not exploited.It beats logic why we should import energy in the first place.

The Kenya government should develop joint energy investment strategies with neighboring countries to tap the vast energy potential on the continent. This could be a viable alternative and means to cooperatively access the desired resources without conflict among other countries. Africans need not wage war over oil - we need energy to drive our economies.