The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum will host the National Energy and Petroleum Forum 2026 in August, aimed at addressing regulatory overlaps, resolving wayleave disputes, and tackling power disconnections affecting essential services—key barriers to investment across the counties. The Forum will focus on unlocking investments and accelerating the delivery of reliable, affordable, scalable, and sustainable energy nationwide. 

This was agreed during a joint meeting held today in Nairobi between the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, and the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, chaired by Sen. William Kisang. The meeting reviewed preparations for the Forum and underscored its role in catalysing the effective implementation of devolved energy functions. The Forum is expected to deliver targeted outcomes, including improved energy affordability, accelerated adoption of renewable energy, enhanced inclusion—particularly in bridging gender gaps in the sector—and support for industrialisation and digital growth across all 47 counties. The Principal Secretaries for Energy, Alex K. Wachira, and Petroleum, Mohamed Birik, noted that the Ministry is shifting focus from basic access to the productive use of energy as a driver of economic transformation. 

They called on county governments, development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to collaborate in powering Kenya’s industrial and digital future. The Forum will bring together key stakeholders, including the Senate, Council of Governors, county governments, the national government, regulators, development partners, and the private sector, to align policy, unlock investment opportunities, and strengthen coordination in the energy sector.