A BloombergNEF report highlights that Kenya's freeze on new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between 2018 and late 2025 significantly hampered investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects, despite renewables making up over 80% of installed capacity.

• The moratorium, intended to stop high-priced deals, delayed new Independent Power Producers (IPPs) when electricity reserves were tightening.
• Kenya needs to add nearly 1GW of capacity annually by 2030 to support economic growth, requiring an end to stalled utility-scale investment.
• The Kenyan government has lifted the freeze and is moving towards competitive renewable energy auctions, with solar power and battery energy storage expected to be early investment opportunities.

Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since May, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East and Houthi militia attacks on tankers in the Red Sea.

• Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose over 6% on Thursday.
• The conflict threatens key oil export routes, impacting global energy supplies.
• This price hike could lead to renewed inflationary pressures and higher consumer costs for fuel, food, and other goods.

Controversy surrounds the proposed Sh2.2 trillion oil refinery by Dangote Group in Lamu, Kenya, part of the LAPSSET Corridor project.

• Dangote Group, led by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, plans a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery.
• Local residents and groups, including the Lamu Marine Forum and Lamu Council of Elders, are demanding consultation and benefits like a community trust fund and local employment quotas.
• Government officials and LAPSSET architects, such as former Director-General Silvester Kasuku, defend the project as a transformative investment for the region.