Asharami Synergy Kenya, a Sahara downstream company, says it shares in the vision that Africa, through the youth, holds the key to decarbonising the world economy.
Country Manager, Asharami Synergy Kenya, Debola Adesanya, said the company’s optimism aligns with Kenyan President, William Ruto’s declaration at the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit 2023 in Kenya that “Africa holds the key to decarbonising the world economy.”
Adesanya said President Ruto’s sterling leadership, especially in the area of climate action, continues to galvanise calls for global investors to facilitate green energy revolution in Kenya and inspire positive collaboration across the continent.
While applauding the enthusiastic involvement of youths in the critical discourse on energy transition and sustainability, he said Asharami Synergy Kenya and it’s parent company, Sahara Group, would continue to play a key role towards realising the energy transition agenda in Africa.
“Sahara Group, our parent company, remains a frontline promoter of a just energy transition in Africa that leaves no one behind. Asharami Synergy Kenya restates its commitment to working with the Kenyan government and the good people of Kenya, especially the youths, towards a greener and more prosperous future,” he said.
Adesanya said as its contribution towards enhancing youth participation in climate action, Asharami Synergy Kenya, in partnership with Sahara Group Foundation, initiated a creative writing competition that received 225 entries from students in several universities across Kenya.
These institutions include Jomo Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, Kabarak University, Kenyatta University, Kissi University, Maseno University, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Technical University of Kenya, Strathmore University, Muranga university of Technology, Africa Nazarene University, Machakos university among others that participated in this initiative.
Organisers of the competition said it sought to use the art of storytelling to simplify the themes around energy transition to foster more understanding and participation among the youth population in Kenya.
He said the selection process for the competition was under way with eminent Kenyan scholars leading the assessment of the entries.
The judges include; Omondo Oketch (Ph.D)- Associate Professor of Linguistics, The Technical University of Kenya, Rosemary Nyaole (Ph.D) – Senior Lecturer, Department of Media and Film Studies of School of Communication, Daystar University, Kenya, Hilary Masaya (Ph.D)- Lecturer, Communication, Media and Publishing Studies, Egerton University, Abraham Kipkemboi (Ph.D) – Lecturer, Entrepreneurship, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Victor Boiyo (Ph.D, CS-K) – Director of Student Affairs, Africa Nazarene University, John Obiero (Ph.D)- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kenya, Kimingichi Wabende (Ph.D) – Assistant Lecturer, Department of Perfoming Arts, University of Nairobi.
The guidelines showed that the top three entries would be announced at an event scheduled for early November.
“We are excited to see the level of creativity and passion demonstrated by the young Kenyans in the creative writing competition. We believe that their participation in the conversation surrounding energy transition and sustainability is crucial in shaping a better future, not just for Kenya, but for the entire continent.
“The level of enthusiasm displayed by Kenyan youth in the ongoing climate discourse is truly commendable. Their passion and creativity are instrumental in driving meaningful change in our pursuit of sustainable energy solutions,” said Lavinah Gonah, Asharami Synergy Kenya, who is coordinating the competition for Asharami.
In the spirit of celebrating and rewarding excellence, the top three winners would receive cash gifts, while all outstanding entries would be published and shared with global platforms to enhance youth engagement in energy transition and the quest for a sustainable future in Africa.
