Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-23 22:55:43
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns about the potential strain on electricity systems in Nairobi and other major cities due to the escalating temperatures. In a technical assistance report focused on climate, the IMF cautioned that the demand for air conditioners and other cooling systems is expected to increase with the heat waves. This rise in the adoption of cooling equipment could overwhelm the power systems, which primarily run on electricity.
The report highlighted that factors like water scarcity and fluctuating rainfall patterns already impact hydropower generation capacity in Kenya. Moreover, the heat waves in urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa could lead to a surge in the use of air conditioning and cooling systems, further stressing the power systems. Coastal areas are not spared either, as the rising sea levels and storm surges could pose risks to essential infrastructure like water supply, electricity, roads, and ports.
Kenya has been grappling with rising temperatures since the 19th century, and the situation is anticipated to worsen in the near future. The report noted that the annual mean temperatures in the country have been steadily increasing by 0.21 degrees Celsius per decade since the 1960s. Projections indicate a further increase of 1.9-3.2 degrees Celsius in the coming years. The recent heatwaves experienced in the city can be largely attributed to the impacts of climate change, with the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting temperatures reaching as high as 31 degrees Celsius in Nairobi and surrounding areas, with the heatwave likely to persist until April.
To address these climate challenges, the IMF urged the government to implement mitigation policies and undertake transformative measures. This includes closing infrastructure gaps while promoting initiatives outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the National Climate Action Plan (NCAAP). Key recommendations from the IMF report include advocating for low-emission public transport, increasing the adoption of electric vehicles, investing in infrastructure that supports renewable energy sources with energy storage capabilities, modernizing grid infrastructure, promoting energy-efficient buildings, and implementing improved infrastructure planning in urban and rural areas.
President William Ruto engaged with IMF officials on climate issues during a meeting in Italy, underlining the importance of collaborative efforts to combat climate change. President Ruto later emphasized the urgency of addressing climate challenges during an event at the Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) in September 2023. It is evident that proactive measures need to be taken to mitigate the impacts of climate change on electricity systems and infrastructure in Kenya’s major cities.
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