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Electricity In Kenya

Supply and Demand

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.


Kenya’s Power Generation Profile

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


 

Key players in Kenya’s power sector

i. Ministry of Energy and Petroleum

The Ministry makes and articulates energy policies to create an enabling environment for efficient operation and growth of the sector.  Read more

ii. Kenya Power and Lighting Company Ltd.

The Company is responsible for the distribution of electricity in Kenya. Read more

iii. Kenya Electricity Generating Company

KenGen generates electricity from various sources which include hydro, wind, thermal and geothermal.  Read more

iv. Kenya Electricity Transmission Company

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

v. Geothermal Development Company

Its key mandate is to promote rapid development of geothermal resources in Kenya through surface exploration and drilling for steam. Read more

vi. Rural Electrification Authority

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

vii. Energy Regulatory

Its mandate is to regulate the electrical energy, petroleum and related products, renewable energy and other forms of energy. Read More

viii. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) 

The producers include IberAfrica, Tsavo Power, Mumias Sugar Company and the Or Power who contribute approximately 30% of electricity to the national grid.

ix. Emergency Power Producers (EPPs)

Currently the only EPP Aggreko has a short term supply of electricity commissioned during the prolonged drought.