With changing production and consumption trends being experienced in Kenya’s energy sector, innovation is currently playing a key role in shaping the sector’s future. Notably, the increased availability and adoption of e-mobility solutions in the country has led to a corresponding rise in electricity consumption, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
According to EPRA’s recently released report which provides key statistics on the performance of the electricity, petroleum, and renewable energy subsectors during the first half of the financial year 2024/2025, e-mobility electricity consumption increased to 1.80 GWh, demonstrating a positive shift toward cleaner transport solutions. The demand for autogas as an alternative transport fuel has gained traction, with 10 permits issued for the construction of autogas stations during the period under review.
The report highlights key developments and performance indicators in the energy sector over the past six months. EPRA notes that the energy landscape continues to evolve, driven by growing demand, advancements in infrastructure, and the increasing adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
The report also highlights various initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, including the promotion of energy-efficient appliances and conducting energy audits to help consumers optimize their energy use.
Commenting on these developments, EPRA director general Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, states: “We have also witnessed encouraging trends in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption, aligning with the government’s commitment to implementing the LPG growth strategy. LPG demand increased by 13.38% during this period. The demand is expected to continue its upward trajectory as the government advances the LPG growth strategy, focusing on promoting its use in schools and hospitals.”
Added Bargoria: “As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.”
Dr. John Mutua, EPRA’s Director for Economic Regulation and Strategy, noted that during the review period, there was an overall increase in electricity and petroleum consumption – an indicator of the vibrant economic activities that the energy sector supports.
“One notable trend we continue to observe is the growing adoption of captive energy generation, particularly among industrial consumers. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for the highest contribution to the country’s captive generation capacity, making up 47.21% of the total,” stated Dr Mutua.
On e-mobility, Dr Mutua stated that in line with global energy transition trends, EPRA has been actively working with the e-mobility industry to drive adoption.
“In April 2023, we introduced a discounted e-mobility tariff category, and its impact has been significant. To ensure fair pricing for electric vehicle charging, the Authority is currently undertaking a study to establish an appropriate end-user tariff for public charging stations. This initiative aims to promote accessibility and affordability, ultimately encouraging more consumers to transition to cleaner transport solutions,” he added.
“As we advance our energy agenda, we recognize the need to promote responsible energy consumption. Energy efficiency remains a key pillar of our strategy, and we have been advocating for its adoption both in homes and industrial facilities.”
As economic activities expanded over the period under review, Kenya’s energy utilization recorded a notable increase compared to a similar period in the previous financial year, with half-year consumption reaching 7,222.37 GWh. Peak demand remained above 2,200 MW, hitting a high of 2,288.35 MW on October 29, 2024.
In terms of consumption by consumer category, Industrial consumers are the primary consumers of electrical energy in Kenya. Customers in this category comprise of large and medium industries, factories, high-rise buildings, warehouses and public infrastructure such as airports, ports, and railway stations. In the half year under review, this category consumed 2,807.10 GWh, accounting for 51.18% of the country’s total consumption. This is a 101.0GWh increase in consumption compared to 2,706.10GWh of electrical energy consumed in a similar period last year signaling an increase in industrial activities.
Domestic consumers were second highest category consuming 1,728.19 GWh up from 1,599.33GWh in a similar period last year. This represents 31.51% of total energy consumption and increase from 30.76% in a similar period in the previous financial year. Customers in the DC3 tariff band (consuming over 100kWh per month) accounted for 47.2% of domestic consumption utilizing 816.50MWh of electrical energy in the period under review.
Small commercial enterprises consumed 902.94 GWh, accounting for 16.46% of overall electrical consumption. This indicates an increase from 843.04 GWh of energy used in a similar period last year.
Street lighting is the only category that registered a decline in consumption by 12.0 GWh, as the category’s consumption volumes reduced to 44.48vGWh from 56.48 GWh in a similar period last financial year. Street lighting accounted for 0.81% of total energy consumption.
Consumption in the electric mobility category – which includes electric vehicles and motorcycles – increased by 1.49 GWh, reaching 1.81 GWh during the review period, up from 0.32 GWh in a similar period in the last financial year. This growth highlights the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and motorcycles.
Geothermal energy accounts for the largest portion of Kenya’s installed capacity, at 26.13%. Hydro and thermal power follow with 24.16% and 17.36% respectively. Solar photovoltaic systems and wind generation contribute 13.43% and 12.07% to the total installed capacity respectively.
During the review period, no new grid-connected power generation plants were commissioned, according to the EPRA report.
As of December 2024, captive power capacity, which mainly comprises biomass, solar and hydro, stood at 574.6 MW, accounting for 15.04% of the country’s total installed capacity. Captive power generation continues to attract commercial and industrial consumers due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of setup, and supportive government policies. Overall, captive solar PV generation increased to 271.3 MW during the period under review.
Electrical energy generated (the electrical energy supplied to the national grid and public off-grid networks at the respective designated points of delivery) represents the total output from power producers with power purchase agreements, excluding their auxiliary consumption.
During the review period, a total of 7,222.37 GWh of electrical energy was generated, marking a 6.13% increase (417.09 GWh) from the 6,805.28 GWh recorded in the first half of the previous financial year. This growth was driven by rising demand from organic load growth and an expanding customer base.
Electricity imports accounted for 10.41% of total consumption in the current period, up from 6.16% in the previous financial year. This increase is primarily due to the full commercial operation of electricity imports from Ethiopia. Additionally, on December 13, 2024, energy exchange with Tanzania commenced, marking an important milestone in enhancing regional interconnectivity within the East African Community (EAC).
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