The Role Of Renewable Energy In Powering Kenya’s Healthcare Systems For A Healthier And Smart Future.

 

As Kenya strives to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and provide quality healthcare services to its citizens, the role of renewable energy is becoming increasingly crucial in mitigating climate change effects.

Embracing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address the energy needs of healthcare facilities, fostering a healthier and smarter future for the country.

According to a recently published briefing document for African policymakers on “How A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Can Propel Africa’s Renewable Energy Transition by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Africa has the most untapped renewable energy potential, making it a treasure trove of clean and sustainable energy for the entire  continent.

 As one of the key country’s leading the climate change conversations on the continent, Kenya’s untapped potential for renewable energy presents a beacon of hope for revolutionizing the healthcare sector in the country.

Kenya, like any part of sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare sector faces significant energy challenges, with many facilities lacking reliable and adequate access to electricity. This poses a critical hurdle to providing essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

A few months ago, Kenya experienced the https://www.voanews.com/a/cause-of-kenya-s-longest-power-outage-in-memory-remains-unclear-/7242949.html for more than 24 hours while the cause remains a misery creating severe effects including healthcare facilities. Can you imagine what happened in a hospital without backup or alternative source of energy?

WHO indicates, health sector is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing 514 coal-fired power plants annually.

Erratic power supply disrupts medical procedures, hampers vaccine storage and refrigeration, and hinders the operation of life-saving equipment, compromising patient care and overall health outcomes.

Importance of solar energy in healthcare systems 

Located in the rural areas of  south west part of Kenya, Nyamache level four hospital which serves a population of at least one million people is backed by solar energy which is  used on  daily operations.

The solar were installed  across the facility which covers approximately  a five ha piece of land ,uses solar energy as the main source of energy and electricity as an alternative when running out of power.

With the rising energy prices and frequent electricity blackouts, this hospital was forced to turn to solar energy to provide life-saving power for patients seeking medical services from this facility.

Climate change has immensely contributed to severe drought forcing water levels at the hydro-electric dams go down forcing the electric price to shoot higher.

The electric grid has become unreliable and costly, Nyamache hospital is now using solar installation as the main source of energy for some operations and machines.

“the welfare of a patient is the most important thing in any hospital facility, we now use solar energy in case of blackouts in order to give the best services to our patients,” said Dr.Matiko 

The Ministry of Health(MOH) already has plans of adopting the use of solar energy in health care facilities in combating climate change and prioritize eco-friendly products and equipment.

 MOH will further implement non-burn technology for clinical waste management in high-volume in healthcare facilities across the country.

PS Public Health Mary Muthoni says the ministry is developing a climate change and health strategy to guide both long term and short-term actions in climate change and health.

“The ministry’s initiatives to combat greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be valued at Sh2.5 billion,” says Muthoni.

COP28 and the Call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

As Kenya and other African nations gather for COP28, the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty grows louder. The treaty aims to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, aligning with the vision of a healthier and smarter future for Kenya and the continent.

The transition to renewable energy is not just a matter of environmental sustainability; it is also a matter of social justice and human well-being.

Kenya can play a leading role in supporting the treaty and sending a powerful message that it is committed to a clean energy future. By signing onto the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Kenya can join a growing coalition of countries committed to a just transition away from fossil fuels and towards a renewable energy future.

Speaking at United Arabs Emirates during COP28 in Dubai, President wiliam Ruto stressed on nations installing clear and actionable roadmaps towards turning Africa into a  green powerhouse of clean energy.

President Ruto noted there is need for industrial decarbonisation for a unified global effort in ensuring proper mobilization of capital for development and climate change.

“There will be no excuse if COP28 fails to deliver a concrete and sustainable action to the crisis,” President Ruto emphasized.

The President said that the world cannot afford to overlook Africa’s huge potential or ignore its pressing needs.

Ruto argued, the current climate financing ecosystem should be restructured and be made more responsive and innovative.

Kenya’s commitment plan is moving the country into 100 per cent green energy by 2030 and reducing the country’s carbon print by utilizing solar, wind, hydrogen power, and bioenergy.

Currently, 73 per cent of Kenyans have connected to electricity whose main source of supply is geothermal power generation which supplies low-emission energy for a green recovery in the future.

The government has set up a number of projects that will boost its target of a green energy nation by developing Africa’s largest single wind power facility in Lake Turkana. The government has also invested in the Olkaroia Geothermal power plant in Naivasha, Nakuru country.

Kenya is at 90 per cent of renewable energy and is working towards the realization of full transition of collaborating with other nations to get support in achieving its goal of improving livelihoods by providing clean energy to its people.

Renewable energy presents a transformative solution to these energy challenges to hospital facilities , offering a reliable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly source of power for healthcare facilities.

Solar panels can harness the abundant sunlight to generate electricity, while wind turbines can convert wind energy into usable power. Geothermal plants tap into the Earth’s heat to generate electricity, providing a constant and dependable energy source.

In 2024,countries will submit their first biennial transparency report to see if individual responsibility is concealed.

By

ROSEMARY ONCHARI