Kenya has made remarkable progress in expanding electricity access and promoting renewable energy, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable development. According to the IEA’s Energy Policy Review of Kenya, electricity access increased from 37% in 2013 to 79% in 2023, with urban areas now fully electrified. Key initiatives, such as the Last Mile Connectivity Project launched in 2015, have brought power to approximately 9 million rural residents. Off-grid solutions, including solar home systems and mini-grids, have been pivotal, with Kenya accounting for nearly three-quarters of all solar home system sales in East Africa. The country is on track to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, combining ambitious infrastructure plans with clean energy deployment.
Renewable energy forms the backbone of Kenya’s electricity generation, with geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar sources making up nearly 90% of the mix. Landmark projects include the Lake Turkana Wind Farm and some of the world’s lowest-cost geothermal installations, with geothermal alone contributing about one-third of total generation capacity. Kenya has also made progress in clean cooking, increasing household access from 10% in 2013 to over 30% in 2023. The Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy aims for universal access by 2028, emphasizing the integration of improved cookstoves and stable fuel supply chains to overcome affordability and accessibility challenges.
The IEA report highlights ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the national grid, including regulatory reforms that open transmission and distribution networks to private investment. Despite challenges such as high technical losses and theft, Kenya is implementing smart grid solutions and better management systems to improve efficiency. Overall, the country’s strong policy framework, skilled workforce, and abundant renewable resources position it to meet long-term energy and development goals. Kenya’s progress demonstrates how targeted investments, strategic planning, and innovative technology adoption can advance inclusive, sustainable, and secure energy access for millions of citizens.