The Senate Standing Committee on Energy pressed ministries and agencies to account for stalled energy projects, limited rural electricity access and high fuel costs, insisting that promised investments must deliver reliable and affordable power for Kenyans.

The concerns were raised at a retreat in Mombasa that brought together the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and key sector agencies to review project implementation, policy and challenges needing legislative oversight.

Committee Chair William Kisang said the retreat aimed to establish the status of major energy programmes, pinpoint bottlenecks and identify interventions required to complete the projects.

Rural electrification featured prominently, with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation reporting progress on 31 mini‑grids and the solarisation of 271 boreholes under the World Bank‑backed Kenya Off‑Grid Solar Access Project, financed at roughly Sh4.7 billion.

Senators asked for details on funding for unfinished projects and on measures to ensure completion before the programme’s deadline.

Vice‑Chair Beatrice Ogolla, leading discussions on Last‑Mile Connectivity, urged tighter coordination between REREC and Kenya Power so that built infrastructure translates into household connections within clear timelines.

She warned that communities surrounded by electricity infrastructure should not remain in darkness, highlighting the need for prompt connection after construction.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi told the committee that the government remains on track to achieve first oil from the South Lokichar development by December 2026, after more than 14 years of work.

The retreat also examined fuel pricing, strategic petroleum reserves, LPG safety, compensation issues and community concerns linked to the proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya County.