The rapid uptake of renewable energy witnessed in Kenya over the last years now hangs in the balance, attributable to the Finance Bill 2020. The bill seeks to change the Value Added Tax (VAT) status from exempt to standard rated 14 percent on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), inputs or raw materials supplied to manufacture of solar equipments including deep cycle-sealed batteries which exclusively use or store solar power.
"The gains made towards attaining 10 per cent forest cover by 2030 are partly through promotion of improved and clean energy cooking facilities. Increasing the cost of such renewables means that Kenyans will go back to inefficient exploitation of biomass," notes Elizabeth Wanja - Programs Officer, KCCWG.

"Renewable energy sector directly contributes to thousands of jobs directly and millions indirectly. This touches sectors like agriculture, Forestry, energy, trade and manufacturing among other subsectors" says Maimuna Kabatesi - Project Manager Hivos, Green and Inclusive Energy East Africa..

Article Posted by The Standard, June 16th 2020. Author: FREDRICK OBURA.