Kenya has become a focal point in a strategic maneuver orchestrated by the Saudi Arabian government, as uncovered in an undercover investigation conducted by the Centre for Climate Reporting (CCR). The investigation reveals Saudi Arabia’s intentions to impede the reduction of fossil fuel usage in specific African nations, including Kenya, through its Oil Sustainability Programme (OSP).
Despite being presented as a climate change mitigation initiative, the investigation exposes the true motive behind the OSP—to solidify the dependence of these countries, including Kenya, on Saudi oil. Leveraging its substantial sovereign wealth fund, the Gulf State plans to finance the development of high carbon infrastructure, such as airports, roads, and ports, in Kenya and other African nations. This infrastructure is anticipated to exclusively rely on vehicles and machinery powered by Saudi oil.
A key element of this strategy involves collaboration with an undisclosed car manufacturer to produce and distribute affordable fuel-intensive vehicles in the targeted countries, mirroring tactics previously employed by China in extracting crucial resources from Africa and Asia for industrial growth.
Kenya’s recent strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, evidenced by President William Ruto’s multiple visits to Riyadh, align with the vision of the OSP. The country is identified as a potential hub for both Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and solar energy projects, as disclosed in a presentation by OSP head Mohammad Al Tayar to the African Refiners and Distributors Association in Cape Town, South Africa.
The CCR’s investigative work, featuring undercover reporters posing as investors, secured vital documents outlining the 46 projects supported by Saudi Arabia under the OSP. These documents emphasize a reluctance towards electric vehicles, indicating a preference for internal combustion engine cars reliant on petrol or diesel—a stance seemingly in opposition to the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
While Kenya’s participation in the OSP has not been officially announced, it is evident in its engagements with Saudi Arabia. Last year, Kenya received USD 13.8 million from Saudi firms, including oil giants Saudi Aramco, for carbon credit auctions. President Ruto asserted that these funds were allocated to initiatives related to clean cooking and solar home systems, ostensibly aligning with OSP objectives.
These revelations unfold against the backdrop of the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, where global efforts to address climate change will be deliberated. The Paris Agreement, a significant outcome of COP21, aimed to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 Celsius by 2100. The disclosed information raises crucial questions about Kenya’s dedication to global climate goals and the ethical considerations surrounding strategies reliant on fossil fuels.
