15
Steadfast for East Africa: Powering Energy
Dreams Through Regional Cooperation
Japhet Miano Kariuki
15.1 Introduction
East African countries are making progress with respect to tackling
energy access challenges, including lack of electricity. Although there are
several initiatives at the national level, the common energy challenges
faced in the region, such as unreliable electricity and reliance on traditional biomass have necessitated regional cooperation in addressing these
challenges. Moreover, the global efforts to transition to a low-carbon
economy have made many commentators question the future of fossil
fuels in Africa, albeit it is recognized that both fossil fuels and renewable
energy are essential for the continent’s economic development (Nalule,
2020). Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
emphasizes access to modern, efficient and sustainable energy for all.
Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), regional
J. M. Kariuki (B)
World Energy Council’s Scenario Study Group, Metro Manila (NCR),
Philippines
© The Author(s) 2021
V. R. Nalule (ed.), Energy Transitions and the Future
of the African Energy Sector,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56849-8_15
449
Steadfast for East Africa: Powering Energy
Dreams Through Regional Cooperation
Japhet Miano Kariuki
15.1 Introduction
East African countries are making progress with respect to tackling
energy access challenges, including lack of electricity. Although there are
several initiatives at the national level, the common energy challenges
faced in the region, such as unreliable electricity and reliance on traditional biomass have necessitated regional cooperation in addressing these
challenges. Moreover, the global efforts to transition to a low-carbon
economy have made many commentators question the future of fossil
fuels in Africa, albeit it is recognized that both fossil fuels and renewable
energy are essential for the continent’s economic development (Nalule,
2020). Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
emphasizes access to modern, efficient and sustainable energy for all.
Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), regional
J. M. Kariuki (B)
World Energy Council’s Scenario Study Group, Metro Manila (NCR),
Philippines
© The Author(s) 2021
V. R. Nalule (ed.), Energy Transitions and the Future
of the African Energy Sector,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56849-8_15
449