Kenya’s Ministry of Energy has launched a new five-year policy to boost biodiesels, as a measure to contribute to the fight to global warming as well as to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
“About 5% reduction in imported diesel can be achieved by 2012 through substitution with biodiesel - said Energy permanent secretary, Patrick Nyoike -. “To achieve this, blending fossil diesel with biodiesel can begin with 5% as a starting point”, he explained.

Kenya spends a sum around €1.1 billion (2007) for petroleum imports, and the expense is on the rise since it was €1 billion in 2006.

Locally grown trees such as jatropha will be used to produce environmentally friendly green fuel. This plant is highly Jatropha seem to represent the ideal option since it is a non-food crop and little effort is needed to grow it in unproductive land.

The government-registered body Kenya Bio-Diesel Association (KBDA) was founded for to research institutions, planting materials suppliers, growers, processors, marketers and distributors.

Patrick Nyoike said “Kenya will build on experiences in other countries. I am confident that the current strategy will lead to the transformation of the country as an importer of fuel self-sufficient and even exporting producer.”

According Nyoike, the economy will benefit from the bio-refineries’ activity, together with the realization of an efficient road network and adequate infrastructure for water needs.