Science into Policy: Participatory Development of Biomass Energy Regulatory Instruments in Kenya

Abstract

Biomass energy, mainly as solid biomass charcoal and firewood (woodfuel), plays a significant role as cooking energy in Kenya, as in many other countries in Africa. Despite its multiple benefits, unsustainable practices have negative environmental and health impacts. Efforts to transition from woodfuel to other forms of cooking energy have been in place for many years, but woodfuel still remains the key cooking fuel in Kenya due to its affordability and accessibility, cultural norms, as well as lack of access to affordable clean cooking alternatives. The Government of Kenya realized the need to have an effective regulatory framework in place to address the negative environmental and health impacts of woodfuel, while optimizing its benefits and in line with its targets in addressing health and achieving low carbon climate resilient development. Following consultation with key stakeholders in 2020 and 2021, the Bioenergy Strategy, 2020–2027, charcoal and carbonized briquettes standards and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption for sustainable briquettes, biogas and denatured bioethanol energy were introduced. To bridge the science-policy gap, scientists must engage beyond providing written documents and oral presentations to become key stakeholders. Prior and participatory engagement and dialogue with policymakers and implementors is essential to build trust and confidence. This brief illustrates the role of science and stakeholder engagement in developing policy regulation instruments in Kenya and highlights the need for scientists to actively participate in dialogue with policymakers and implementors on an ongoing basis, a role that needs to be built into research processes