In the period from August 2024 to July 2025, clean energy dominated Kenya's electricity consumption, accounting for more than 90% of the total generation. Low-carbon sources, including geothermal, hydropower, and wind, together produced nearly 12 TWh of electricity. Geothermal provided the largest share, generating almost half of the low-carbon total, followed by hydropower and wind. Net imports of electricity also contributed a significant part of the low-carbon share. Conversely, fossil energy sources made up a very small fraction, generating only about 1 TWh. Kenya's per capita electricity consumption stands at 252 kWh, which is significantly below the global average of 3649 kWh per person. This relatively low level of electricity generation can limit economic development and hinder technological advances, impacting the overall quality of life and accessibility to modern facilities for residents.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Kenya?
In assessing electricity growth in Kenya, there is a modest increase in the total consumption per capita from 249 kWh in 2024 to 252 kWh in 2025. While this reflects some growth, it is an increase of just 3 kWh per person, suggesting a slow pace in expanding overall electricity usage. When it comes to low-carbon electricity, the latest figures show a slight decline, with the current generation at 209 kWh per person compared to the record 211 kWh per person in 2020. This minor drop of 2 kWh per person highlights a stagnation in clean energy progress, which is disappointing given the global shift toward sustainable energy systems and the critical role of low-carbon sources in combating climate change.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Kenya can further expand its existing wind power infrastructure. Drawing lessons from other regions, like the People's Republic of China and the United States, could be advantageous. China, for example, generates immense amounts of solar and wind energy, standing at 1117 TWh and 1090 TWh respectively, showcasing the potential of scaling up these technologies. Furthermore, nuclear energy, as emphasized by countries like France and the United States with significant contributions from this source, presents a stable and substantial form of clean electricity. Emulating such strategies could not only enhance Kenya's low-carbon electricity mix but also lead to higher overall electricity generation, addressing the present shortfall in meeting both national and international energy demands.
History
In the historical context of Kenya's low-carbon electricity generation, significant changes have been marked by both advancements and setbacks. In the early 2000s, hydropower faced challenges, with declines recorded in 1999 and 2000, only to recover slightly in subsequent years. The 2010s brought diverse developments: geothermal energy surged with notable increases in 2014 and 2023, while wind energy saw a strong boost beginning in 2019. Hydropower, meanwhile, has experienced fluctuations, with gains nearly matched by declines, demonstrating its vulnerability to variable conditions. The growth in geothermal and wind illustrates a positive trend, reflecting the country's commitment to enhancing its clean energy output, yet the mixed results in hydropower highlight the need for a resilient and diverse energy portfolio to ensure stability and growth in Kenya's electricity future.
