When we talk about clean energy in Kenya, we’re not describing a distant dream or future goal—we’re witnessing a reality already unfolding and transforming lives across the country.
Clean energy is no longer just an ambition; it is powering homes, schools, clinics, and businesses, becoming a vital driver of Kenya’s socioeconomic development.
Globally, Kenya stands as a beacon of leadership in renewable energy adoption. A remarkable 93 percent of our national electricity generation now stems from indigenous clean sources, primarily geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar. The remaining portion is met by thermal plants, and strategic imports from neighbouring countries like Uganda and Ethiopia.
These significant strides are not mere happenstance. They are the culmination of years of deliberate policy-making, targeted strategic investments, and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet, despite these impressive achievements, we are merely at the dawn of realising the full potential of this transformative energy transition.
Kenya's national energy vision is boldly ambitious: to generate 100 percent of our electricity from clean sources by 2030.
By then, every Kenyan household should have access to modern, clean cooking solutions. And by 2050, the country plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. These targets are not just environmental—they’re deeply social and economic. Cleaner energy means healthier families, expanded opportunities, and a better quality of life for all.
As global attention shifts toward sustainable development, Kenya continues to shine in the East African region. Energy experts project that electricity generation from local renewable sources will reach 10.85 billion kilowatt-hours by 2025, positioning the country as a clean energy investment hub in East Africa.
A cornerstone of this ambitious vision is the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP). This flagship initiative, funded by the World Bank, is specifically designed to bring modern energy services to historically underserved counties.
These counties classified as marginalised by the Commission of Revenue Allocation (CRA) include Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Narok, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, West Pokot, and Turkana.
These are regions historically left out of the national energy agenda—but not anymore. So far, over 150,000 households have been reached through the sale of standalone solar systems under KOSAP, while 113 mini-grids are set to be constructed in the next twelve months. Since 2013, electricity access in Kenya has surged from 37 percent to 75 percent, with urban areas nearing universal access.
Rural and pastoral communities are now poised to benefit greatly from off-grid solar solutions that provide electricity without the need for extensive grid infrastructure.
Clean energy is transforming daily life. Children can now study late into the night with ease, free from the harmful fumes and inadequate light of kerosene lamps. This extends learning hours and improves academic performance. Clinics in remote areas can operate essential medical equipment reliably to provide healthcare services for communities that previously had limited access.
Entrepreneurs are extending their business operating hours, and families are literally breathing easier thanks to safer, cleaner cooking alternatives, significantly reducing indoor air pollution and improving public health.
Beyond simply expanding access, Kenya is proactively thinking about the future of its energy infrastructure. Upcoming clean energy systems must be smart, flexible, and resilient.
To achieve this, Kenya is investing significantly in grid modernization, which includes the deployment of advanced battery storage systems and cutting-edge digital technologies.
These innovations will enable us to efficiently harness surplus energy from abundant sources like geothermal plants and wind farms, even during periods of low demand.
This crucial endeavour is further bolstered by recent support from the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), from whom we secured $70 million.
This funding will strengthen our grid’s capacity to integrate even more renewable power, ensuring it is delivered precisely where and when it is needed most.
The writer is the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, State Department of Energy
