The British Government today pledged to help Kenya fully exploit its potential to generate renewable energy as the main engine for economic growth.

U.K Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Mr Ed Davey said Britain will assist in bringing the best technologies in generation of renewable energy to Kenya.

Responding to Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s appeal for Developed countries to ensure that climate change funds actually flow to Africa, the secretary said he shared the frustration of Kenyans.

The Energy Secretary said Britain has put aside £2.9 billion for climate financing for the period up to 2015.

He said the UK is sending a low carbon trade mission to Kenya in early October, led by the minister for energy and expressed hope that this mission will result in advancing prospects for UK companies in investing in green energy in Kenya.

He added that the UK is also keen to collaborate with Kenya in exploring oil resources effectively and use to benefit all Kenyans.

Secretary Davey said Britain acknowledges the progressive voice of Kenya that has helped advance climate change negotiations.

He pledged to have UK work with Kenya closely in future negotiations.

The two leaders spoke in London early today. Mr Odinga arrived in London today to join the Kenyan Olympic team and also for meetings with various political and business leaders.

Secretary Davey agreed with Mr Odinga that Kenya has a huge potential for geothermal and solar energy adding that the UK has some funds which it is keen to invest in is game changer renewable energy projects.

He said UK has obligations to cut carbon emissions and for this reason wants to offer technologies so Kenya can develop its economy with low carbon emission.

He said Britain acknowledges that it is important for Kenya and other developing countries do not repeat the experiences of developed nations that emitted a lot of carbon in the process of developing their countries.

The meeting with the Energy Secretary was Mr Odinga’s first official engagement in the UK.

The PM will later today visit the Olympic Village and attend the men’s 800 metre semi finals, men’s 1,500 metre finals and women’s 300 metre steeplechase victory ceremony.


PMPS
LONDON
AUGUST 7, 2012.