EELA Kenya convened the third Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting to review progress and next steps for activities supporting sustainable energy adoption in Kenya’s tea sector. Co-chaired by Prof. Erastus Gatebe, Industrialization Secretary at the State Department of Industry, and Eng. Isaac Kiva, Secretary for Renewable Energy at the State Department for Energy, the session focused on aligning program implementation with national energy and industrial priorities.

Opening remarks underscored the sector’s energy challenges, particularly among tea factories - including the 74+ KTDA factories - that rely heavily on firewood for drying. Participants noted the implications for forests and environmental conservation, including national tree-planting targets, and highlighted the need to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient solutions. Prof. Gatebe emphasized the importance of delivering tangible impact through development programs and stressed the PSC’s role in assessing progress, implementation, and results. He also pointed to the potential for the Kenya Development Group to support KTDA factories in moving toward sustainable energy options, and thanked Swedish partners for their continued support.

Eng. Kiva provided an update on ongoing policy processes, noting that the review of the national energy efficiency strategy has begun and that integrated national energy planning will include energy efficiency as a dedicated subsector over a 20-year horizon. He referenced project presentations shared with stakeholders and a recent site visit to a tea factory, which demonstrated positive changes achievable in the sector. He expressed interest in how program activities can complement national energy and industrial policies while contributing to cost-cutting efforts across government and counties, and emphasized the need to target the tea sector to boost productivity and broader economic benefits.

UNIDO presented an overview of the 2026 workplan, which the PSC approved in principle, subject to additional clarity on activities and sub-activities. Members also discussed the need for specialized oversight of the tea sector within the Energy Management Awards, aiming to recognize and incentivize best practices in efficiency and low-carbon technologies. In closing, the PSC expressed appreciation to UNIDO, the Government of Sweden, and all partners for advancing sustainable, low-carbon solutions in the tea industry and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to monitoring progress and supporting effective implementation.