Dean Prof. Eng. Augustine Makokha leads Stakeholders Workshop on 'Digital Transitions in Energy Infrastructure: Benefits and Emerging Risks' - Focus on Safety & Resilience in Kenya

The School of Engineering at Moi university through the Small Grants Scheme by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) is implementing a project aimed at building a strategic network of stakeholders to co-develop solution approaches for safer and resilient energy infrastructure systems in Kenya. Kenya’s energy infrastructure system forms a backbone that anchors the delivery of critical socio-economic services in the country. The system comprises infrastructure for electricity generation, transmission and distribution; fuel for motive and industrial applications, and LPG gas storage systems. The ongoing transition to cleaner energy including a shift to electric-mobility and adoption of industry 5.0 would require the energy infrastructure systems to be modernised through integration of data-based digital technologies for system optimization and waste management, towards reducing carbon footprint. However, digital transition in energy infrastructure systems presents new risks and vulnerabilities that are cyber and data related, and rapidly changing in nature, with the potential for severe consequences such as system failures or malfunctions. Considering the critical nature of the energy infrastructure systems and the existing dependencies and interdependencies with other systems, clear knowledge of new risks associated with the digital transition and mitigation measures is essential. Sector-wide collaborations /partnerships and research will be central to achieving this goal.

The stakeholders workshop was convened by the Dean, School of Engineering, Prof. Eng. Augustine Makokha, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, insights and best practices for a safe and resilient energy sector. The theme of the workshop was “Digital transitions in the energy infrastructure systems: Benefits and emerging risks”. The workshop crystalized the debate on energy infrastructure systems in Kenya with a deep dive into transformative approaches to address safety and resilience challenges in the wake of climate change and digital transitions. The workshop was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Academics, Research, Extension & Students Affairs at Moi University, who was represented by Prof. Ann Mwangi. The keynote address was delivered by Eng. Shammah Kiteme, the President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK). The workshop was structured with presentations from guest speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions, moderated by Eng. Harness Mukhongo from KENGEN. The panelists provided informative and thoughtful ideas on how to co-develop solution approaches to address the challenges in the energy infrastructure sector that is continuously expanding in size and complexity.

Panel Discussion

This workshop is a follow up to two webinars that were delivered in March and May 2024, bringing together key stakeholders from the energy infrastructure sector, academia and the government departments for a candid live conversation.

Panelist & Speakers

1. Eng. Harnes Mukhongo, Chief Engineer in charge of Quality Assurance at Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN).
2. Prof. Eng. Christopher Maina, Chairman, IEK Engineering Education Committee & Dean, Murang'a University of Science & Technology.
3. Eng. Hillary Rotich, Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
4. Dr. Eng. Fenwicks Musonye, Deputy Director in charge of Energy Efficiency at Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
5. Mr. Ignatius Maranga, Association of Energy Professionals, Eastern Africa (AEPEA)
6. Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, General Manager responsible for Systems Operation and Power Management at Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).
7. Eng. Jeremiah Mwangangi, Terminal Manager, Kenya Pipeline Company, Eldoret (KPC).
8. Eng. Owen Munene, Chief Engineer, Technical Services, Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC), Western Region

Key take-aways from the Workshop

• There is need to embrace sustainable and human-centric digital technologies in electricity, oil and gas infrastructure systems, with capabilities for adaptation, anticipation, and recovery from cyber-attacks, disasters and shocks.
• There is need to formulate forward looking policies and standards governing the design, construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure in the wake of climate change and digital transformation in the energy sector.
• Adaptive protection schemes and mitigation measures should be instituted to manage the challenge of heavy rains, wind storms and floods that cause severe damage to electricity sub-stations leading to power supply interruptions.
• Investment in data management and analysis tools is essential to support decision making process in the energy infrastructure sector.
• The need to join the regional power pools and promote decentralized electricity generation for power system stability, sustainability and resilienc