The political economy of least cost power planning in Kenya

In sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is considered one of the frontier countries in developing long-term energy plans, locally known as Least Cost Power Development Plans (LCPDP). This paper scopes out how the 1) actors, interests and power dynamics, 2) the institutions and policy, and 3) decision making and implementation practices underpinning the electricity sub-sector in Kenya shape the LCPDP processes. We review the country's power sector policies, legislation and plans, along with in-depth semi-structured interviews with key informants across the sub-sector. Insights from the analysis show that participation gaps exist. Although planning committees include sector utilities, civil society remains left out. Further, county energy plans are either underdeveloped or inexistent, and thus, there is a missed opportunity for CEPs to inform the national LCPDP. Further, there are still gaps and misalignments in the policy framework which have created loopholes for including non-least cost projects. Finally, a political culture of patronage and adherence to a bureaucratic chain of command plays a significant role in sector developments, sometimes overriding technical consensus. We recommend better coordination of national and county energy planning, and opening up the planning process to civil society participation. The process would also benefit from building broader political independence.