Kenya’s energy demand has also been on the rise due to economic growth. In 2004, the estimated number of electricity users was 700,000. In 2014 the number stood at about 2.7 million; a whopping 400% increase.
The increase in demand is foreseen to be led by ongoing and future projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, the LAPSSET project, Konza City and the steel smelting company that require about 5000MW of power as well as other investors in various sectors that require connectivity to the grid. By 2030, peak demand expected at 18,000MW against installed capacity of 24,000MW.
Sources of Electric Power Generation | Installed Capacity (November 2014) | |
MW | Percentage | |
Renewable Energy | ||
Hydro | 821 | 37.8% |
Geothermal | 594 | 27.3% |
Wind | 25 | 1.2% |
Cogeneration | 38 | 1.7% |
Total Renewables | 1,478 | 68.0% |
Fossil Fuels | ||
MSD | 580 | 26.7% |
Gas Turbines | 60 | 2.8% |
HSD (Isolated Stations) | 26 | 1.2% |
Emergency Power Plant | 30 | 1.4% |
Total Fossil Fuels | 695 | 32.0% |
Installed Capacity | 2,173 MW |
The Ministry makes and articulates energy policies to create an enabling environment for efficient operation and growth of the sector. Read more
The Company is responsible for the distribution of electricity in Kenya. Read more
KenGen generates electricity from various sources which include hydro, wind, thermal and geothermal. Read more
The Company is wholly owned by the Government and its core functions are to plan, design, construct, own, operate and maintain high-voltage electricity transmission lines. Read more
Its key mandate is to promote rapid development of geothermal resources in Kenya through surface exploration and drilling for steam. Read more
The Authority was created in order to accelerate the pace of rural electrification in the country, a function which was previously undertaken by the Ministry of Energy. Read More
Its mandate is to regulate the electrical energy, petroleum and related products, renewable energy and other forms of energy. Read More
The producers include IberAfrica, Tsavo Power, Mumias Sugar Company and the Or Power who contribute approximately 30% of electricity to the national grid.
Currently the only EPP Aggreko has a short term supply of electricity commissioned during the prolonged drought.