State House tender seeking charcoal supplier casts doubts on government commitment to clean energy

Questions have been raised as to government's commitment to clean energy for cooking after State House put out a tender seeking a charcoal supplier.

The supplier should also be able to provide LPG (cooking gas) to President Uhuru Kenyatta's official residence for the next two years.

The tender notice published on local dailies outlined that all prospective suppliers must be registered with KRA as well as the Registrar of Companies.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta. State House tender seeking charcoal supplier raises questions on how Uhuru's food is cooked Pulse Live Kenya

"State House invites applications for pre-qualification /registration of suppliers for provision of goods and services from interested eligible bidders for the period ending 30th June 2021. Current providers of various goods and services are requested to apply afresh," the notice read in part.

The tender also seeks suppliers of various other items required by State House.

State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo declined to comment on the matter referring reporters to State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua.

Logging ban was extended by one year in November 2018

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko extended a 90-day logging ban instituted in February 2018 by one more year in November 2018, meaning that the ban should expire in November 2019.

He explained that the ban would help in the restoration and rehabilitation of the degraded critical water catchment and natural forest areas.

The ban, however, has exempted private commercial forest operators and timber products importers who continue to operate under strict control.

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko during a past tree-planting exercise. State House tender seeking charcoal supplier raises questions on how Uhuru's food is cooked Pulse Live Kenya