As Kenya works toward its ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32% by 2030, one of the biggest tests it has to undergo is decarbonizing the quarrying and construction sectors. With the industrial sector contributing roughly 7% of Kenya’s total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, confronting emissions from the sectors is crucial to the nation’s climate strategy.
The Role of Quarries in Construction Emissions
Quarry operations — including extraction, crushing, and transportation — consume vast amounts of fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon emissions. Each year, energy-intensive processes involving grid electricity and diesel-powered machinery generate thousands of metric tons of CO2.
Kenya’s CO2 emissions have grown exponentially, from 3.9 million tons in 1972 to 22.4 million tons in 2021, at an annual increase of 3.89%. A significant share of these emissions comes from quarrying and cement production, which still relies heavily on coal and diesel-powered machinery. Diesel fuel consumption in quarries alone is estimated to release up to 0.21 million tons of CO2 equivalents annually.
While Kenya’s construction boom over the past two decades has fueled economic growth, the environmental cost remains high. A 2022 study by the State Department of Mining revealed that the mining and quarrying industry contributes significantly to industrial CO2 emissions while accounting for only 0.8% of the nation’s GDP. In 2022, the sector added Ksh120.3 billion (US$908 million) to Kenya’s economy.
To achieve its climate goals, Kenya must integrate renewable energy into these industries. Solar power, in particular, could cut CO2 emissions substantially, making it a game-changer in the country’s decarbonization strategy.
Solarization as a Game-Changer for Decarbonization
Kenya’s commitment to the Paris Agreement underscores the urgency of reducing industrial emissions and lessening reliance on imported fossil fuels. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), transitioning to solar-powered machinery and electrifying quarry operations could significantly cut carbon emissions in the construction sector.
One company leading this transformation is Miale Solar, a pioneer in Kenya’s renewable energy market. The company’s 402 kW solar PV system at Home Kena Quarry is expected to cut CO2 emissions by approximately 253,365 kg per year.
By collaborating with major quarries—including Stonefield Company Ltd and Ruga Quarry—Miale Solar is proving that solarization is not just an environmental necessity but also a financially viable investment. Stonefield Quarry’s solar system generates 600,000 kWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 349,800 kg per year. Ruga Quarry’s solar installation produces 264,000 kWh annually, lowering emissions by 153,912 kg of CO2.
Despite these successes, solar adoption in the quarrying and construction sectors remains low.
The Need for Urgent Action: Why Solarizing Quarries is Crucial
A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that solar energy could reduce energy costs for high-consumption industries like quarrying by up to 59%. However, many quarry operators remain reluctant to adopt renewable energy due to misconceptions about upfront costs and system reliability.
According to Stephen Adwong’a, CEO of Miale Solar Inventions, the resistance to solar adoption stems from perceived high initial investment.
“Many quarry operators see solar as an expensive venture without considering the long-term financial benefits,” Adwong’a said. He also mentioned lack of technical knowledge and conservative industry mindset as two other barriers.
“Some quarries hesitate due to concerns about system maintenance and expertise in managing solar infrastructure. Also, the quarrying sector is slow to embrace change, sticking to traditional diesel-powered machinery despite rising fuel costs,” he explained.
However, Adwong’a argued that failing to embrace solar could put Kenyan quarries at risk of losing competitiveness as sustainability becomes a global priority. “Solarizing quarries is not just about reducing emissions, it’s about financial stability, operational resilience, and long-term sustainability,” Adwong’a said.
Most quarries, according to Adwong’a, will be forced to dispel the three false myths as the world is moving more and more toward sustainability and companies that don’t adjust run the risk of falling behind. The fact that many quarries are closing or nearing the end of their terms or leases is another significant obstacle to the widespread use of solar energy, making long-term solar system investments challenging.
By switching to solar energy, quarries can reduce dependence on volatile diesel prices, ensure energy reliability, and boost productivity. This means that quarries that fail to adapt will fall behind in a world rapidly moving toward renewable energy.
Kenya’s Climate Commitments and the Net-Zero Transition
Kenya is emerging as a leader in industrial decarbonization but still faces significant challenges. The quarrying and cement sectors remain key obstacles to achieving Kenya’s 2030 climate goals.
Currently, Kenya does not have a Net-Zero target, but it is working on a long-term strategy aligned with its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The country aims to cut GHG emissions by 32% by 2030, relative to a business-as-usual scenario of 153 MtCO2e. The government has committed to covering 21% of mitigation costs (approximately US$3.7 billion), with the rest expected to come from international climate financing. The Climate Change Act mandates Kenya to update its National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) every five years.
If Kenya is serious about achieving its emissions reduction targets, it must accelerate the transition to renewables—starting with high-emission industries like quarrying and construction.
Therefore…
The quarrying and construction sectors hold the key to Kenya’s long-term climate strategy. With quarries and cement factories among the largest industrial polluters, the transition to solar energy is not optional—it is essential.
Miale Solar’s revolutionary projects in integrating solar power into industrial operations provides a roadmap for other companies looking to decarbonize.