Abstract
There is an increasingly recognised need for openness and accessibility of both governance and technical aspects of long-term energy systems planning, including in the availability of data and information which inform the planning process. Open data principles provide one approach to manage and govern such data in a more collaborative and transparent way. However, such principles are difficult to apply in practice, particularly in resource-constrained yet decentralized planning paradigms in low- and middle-income countries. For this reason, this paper evaluates if and how an open data solution could benefit and address the needs of energy planners, using Kenya as a case study. The potential role of open data and open science in supporting Kenyan energy planning is analysed via qualitative policy documents analysis and stakeholder interviews. The resulting evidence is then compared against established values and principles of open science and open data. What emerges is a contrasting picture, where an open approach to energy data is theoretically well suited to help address many current energy data issues in Kenya. However, what emerges as a critical gap is the need for a better understanding of the way the theoretical principles considered in this study can be implemented, via resources, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to facilitate the openness and transparency across institutions and stakeholders. The findings of this paper aim at supporting stakeholders and decision-makers in Kenya involved in the ongoing long-term energy system planning process under the Integrated National Energy Plan.
