Kenya: Energy assessments and audit for WAMU Investments Ltd

To reduce energy use and environmental emissions, growers need to understand where their energy is being used. Soaring energy costs continue to put growers under pressure and much of the agri-food supply chain is being heavily impacted by unprecedented price increases. Energy has always been important to growers – as they strive to reduce costs and protect their profits, finding ways to improve their energy efficiency remains a priority. Sustainable agriculture, which includes energy efficiency, can help to ensure economic, social, and ecological sustainability.

WAMU investments Ltd., established in 1966, is a Kenyan producer and exporter of fruits and fine vegetables. WAMU relies heavily on electricity from the grid for its operations. Although it is impossible to arrive at an exact figure, energy is certainly a major input cost at packhouse level for the fresh fruits and vegetables industry.

WAMU, through the support of COLEAD’s NExT Kenya programme, conducted an energy assessment to determine and document energy usage and provide an estimation of energy savings from use of alternatives energy sources (solar energy). The assessment highlighted the costs incurred using grid and the type of investments that are needed to implement the use of alternative energy sources for WAMU’s operations at the packhouse. The project also included training for WAMU’s staff to improve their technical skills to enable energy efficiency strategies focused on competencies. In the previous audit, supported by COLEAD, WAMU was able to reduce its energy costs to by 20% based on recommendations from the expert.

This activity is implemented by COLEAD and supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders.