Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for accelerated adoption of technology and stronger collaboration between governments and businesses to drive Kenya’s and Africa’s transformation.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday during the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative Forum, Prof. Kindiki said the continent’s future hinges on people-centred development, innovation and public-private partnerships.
“The next 40 years will not be entirely defined by globalization because that happened 40 years ago. It is now behind us because the coming years will instead be shaped by drivers such as people-focused transformation, investment in technology and collaboration between the public and private sectors,” said the DP.
The Deputy President emphasized that embracing technology across all sectors is essential to solving present challenges while building a sustainable future.
He singled out the energy sector as a critical area where innovation must be scaled up.
“We must adopt technologies that help us find solutions to today’s challenges and create a more sustainable world since technological advancement must be realized across the board, including in energy,” he noted.
Despite Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, Prof. Kindiki noted that the continent remains behind in transitioning to clean power.
He noted that Africa currently generates about 56 gigawatts of renewable energy far below the estimated 300 gigawatts required to support industrial growth.
He stressed that governments alone cannot bridge this gap, urging closer partnerships with private investors.
“Public sector-driven reforms alone are not going to be tenable in the future. We must work together with the private sector, tap into its ideas ,capital and blend efforts to move forward,” said Kindiki.
Kenya, he noted, is already making significant strides, with 93 per cent of its electricity generated from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, hydro and solar energy.
“This places Kenya among the world’s leaders in clean energy and for investors seeking low-carbon manufacturing platforms, Kenya offers a compelling proposition,” he added.
The forum, which brings together policymakers, investors and industry leaders, aims to turn ideas into bankable projects in clean energy, sustainable industries and green value chains.
During the event, Prof. Kindiki launched several initiatives designed to promote environmentally friendly solutions, including the Institutional Clean Cooking Investment Sector Pack, Kenya’s National Cooking Transition Strategy and the Burn Manufacturing Electric Cookstove.
He said the initiatives signal a shift in how clean cooking is perceived from a social intervention to a viable investment opportunity.
“Nearly 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, and close to one billion lack access to clean cooking solutions in Kenya. We are deliberately repositioning clean cooking not as a philanthropic intervention, but as a strategic green investment opportunity,” said the deputy president.
The Deputy President reiterated that Africa’s transformation will depend on its ability to harness technology, mobilize private capital and implement inclusive policies that improve livelihoods.
He urged stakeholders to seize the moment and work collectively to unlock the continent’s potential through innovation and sustainable development.