Natural Justice reviewed the draft National Petroleum Policy with the understanding that it falls within the broader framework of the draft National Energy Policy anchored around support for a just and equitable energy transition aligned with global climate goals. The draft petroleum policy’s objective to promote petroleum resource exploration, development and production (Section 1.42, page 18) undermines the broad strategic objective for a just energy transition.
Oil and gas exploration as proposed by the policy carries with it the following risks:
1. Slowing the energy transition: this would divert resources and investment potential from renewable energy development which carries with it greater opportunities for job creation.
2. Stranded assets: this is likely to be higher given Kenya’s diversity of renewable energy resources which offer cheaper energy alternatives.
3. Environmental and public health costs: the lack of strong social and environmental safeguards in the policy increases the risk of environmental and social fallout from the proposed oil & gas developments.
4. Litigation: global and regional trends indicate an increasing number of legal challenges to new fossil fuel projects on environmental and human rights grounds. These cases occasion delay and increase
