The Nakuru County Government is spearheading a transformative initiative to integrate clean energy solutions into agriculture, enhancing food security while addressing climate change. The county is leveraging renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal to drive sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Nelson Maara, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Climate Change, Energy, and Natural Resources, emphasized the urgency of adopting climate-sensitive agriculture. With Kenya’s population projected to reach 96 million by 2050, he stressed the need for sustainable food production methods that minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agriculture currently accounts for 20% of GHG emissions, necessitating long-term climate-conscious farming approaches.
The county’s initiative aligns with the “Seas of Change” program, a collaborative effort with the Netherlands Development Corporation (SNV) and the IKEA Foundation. This program aims to establish a renewable energy-driven food system that enhances farmers’ incomes and promotes sustainable agriculture.
By integrating clean energy into farming processes, the county government seeks to reduce production costs, increase yields, and strengthen food security. Public-private partnerships are providing incentives and technical support to farmers, promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions in both agriculture and fisheries.
One key aspect of the initiative is geothermal energy use. The county is collaborating with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to supply geothermal steam for drying cereals, dairy pasteurization, greenhouse heating, and fish farming. Solar-powered irrigation is also being promoted to improve water efficiency, reducing farming costs significantly compared to traditional diesel pumps.
Additionally, the county is investing in solar-powered cold storage systems to minimize post-harvest losses, which currently affect over 40% of food before it reaches consumers. These storage facilities offer shared ownership, lease, and “pay-per-use” models, benefiting smallholder farmers in off-grid areas.
Dr. Maara reiterated that scaling up renewable energy use in agriculture requires collaboration among government, private stakeholders, financing institutions, and NGOs. As Nakuru prepares to roll out the “Seas of Change” initiative in 2025, future engagements will focus on implementation strategies, resource mobilization, and expanding successful models to maximize impact across the county.
