Over the period from May 2025 to April 2026, Kenya exhibited an intriguing blend of clean and fossil energy reliance. More than 90% of the electricity generated in Kenya came from low-carbon sources, emphasizing the country's commitment to sustainable energy. Geothermal energy was the leading contributor, providing about half of the total low-carbon energy at 6.35 TWh. Hydropower and wind followed, supplying 3.53 TWh and 1.87 TWh, respectively. Net imports, which are also considered low-carbon due to their sourcing, stood at 1.53 TWh. In stark contrast, fossil energy contributed a mere 1.1 TWh, or less than 10% of the total. In terms of electricity consumption, each person in Kenya used about 265 kWh per year, which is substantially lower than the global average of 3794 kWh. These low levels of electricity generation can impact economic growth, limit access to technology, and challenge efforts to provide reliable power to all parts of the country.

Is Electricity Growing in Kenya?

Electricity consumption in Kenya is showing signs of growth, albeit modest. The latest total electricity consumption per person has risen to 265 kWh from the previous record of 259 kWh, marking an increase of 5 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has increased from 213 kWh to 219 kWh per person, a positive uptick of 6 kWh. This gradual increment, although small, is a positive sign that Kenya is making progress towards enhancing its electricity infrastructure and capacity. However, given the rapidly growing population and the increasing need for electrification in multiple sectors, these changes suggest that more accelerated growth is necessary to meet future demands.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Kenya can build on its existing strength in wind energy. Leveraging lessons from regions that have successfully harnessed wind and solar, such as Germany and India, could propel Kenya's electricity generation to new heights. Germany, with its impressive 144 TWh from wind, offers lessons in maximizing output from wind farms, while India's leadership in solar energy generation, at 192 TWh, presents strategies for capturing abundant solar potential. Kenya should also consider deploying nuclear energy, taking cues from countries like France, which generates 379 TWh from nuclear power. By diversifying its energy portfolio with a focus on nuclear, wind, and solar, Kenya can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security.

History

Looking back at Kenya's history of low-carbon electricity, we see a landscape marked by progress and occasional setbacks. The early 2000s saw some fluctuations in hydropower, with decreases in 1999 and 2000, but recovery was evident by 2001 with an increase of 1.1 TWh. The late 2000s and early 2010s reflected further dips and rebounds primarily in hydropower. However, a transformative breakthrough occurred in 2014 when geothermal energy surged by 2.1 TWh, marking a pivotal point in Kenya's pursuit of clean energy. The country continued to expand its geothermal capabilities in subsequent years. The late 2010s to mid-2020s were characterized by increased contributions from wind and geothermal, although hydroelectric power occasionally dipped. Overall, Kenya's dedication to expanding its low-carbon energy sources remains commendable, as it continues to improve its energy resilience for future demands.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.