Nairobi: The Government is working with development partners to mobilise investments and expand energy access, particularly through renewable electrification and green energy solutions. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi, described energy as a ‘strategic enabler’ of economic transformation, industrial growth, and social inclusion.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wandayi noted that approximately 75 per cent of Kenyans currently have access to electricity through both grid and off-grid solutions, with the remaining population largely in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The CS, in a speech read on his behalf by the Secretary Administration, Ministry of Energy, Allan Machari, during the 2026 Energy Access Investment Forum (EAIF) held in Nairobi, said that the government is implementing a dual strategy that combines grid expansion with decentralised solutions such as mini-grids and standalone solar systems.
‘Over the past decade, Kenya has connected more than six million households under its Last Mile Connectivity Programme, bringing the total number of connected households to over 10 million,’ said Wandayi. The CS highlighted ongoing initiatives supported by development partners, including the World Bank, the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which are expected to connect an additional 805,000 households by the end of the year.
Wandayi said that the government has also made significant progress in off-grid electrification. So far, 20 diesel-powered stations and 30 solar hybrid mini-grids have been deployed to serve remote communities. An additional seven solar hybrid mini-grids have been implemented under the Kenya Electricity Modernisation Project. ‘Collectively, these 57 mini-grids have connected more than 30,000 households and businesses, supporting local enterprises and improving livelihoods. Further expansion is underway through new projects led by national utilities to increase access in underserved counties,’ said Wandayi.
He added that Kenya continues to position itself as a global leader in renewable energy, with about 93 per cent of its electricity generated from green sources such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar. The government is now focusing on scaling up generation capacity, investing in energy storage, and exploring emerging technologies including green hydrogen and electric mobility. Wandayi emphasised that Kenya’s energy transition strategy is designed to deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits, including job creation and inclusive growth.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, highlighted the bloc’s continued support for Africa’s energy ambitions. Geiger said that through its Global Gateway strategy, the EU plans to mobilise over pound 300 billion globally for sustainable infrastructure, including energy projects. ‘Under the Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative, more than pound 7 billion has been committed to 185 projects across the continent,’ she said. Geiger pointed to the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project as a flagship example of successful international cooperation, adding that the 310-megawatt facility is one of Africa’s largest wind farms and a symbol of effective public-private partnership.
Despite progress, significant challenges remain. According to the EU, around 600 million people in Africa still lack access to electricity, while one billion lack clean cooking solutions. Geiger described energy access as a ‘human right’ and stressed the importance of scalable, investable solutions that can deliver rapid and widespread impact. She noted that electrification not only powers homes, but also drives improvements in healthcare, education, and economic development. The leaders underscored the need for stronger partnerships, innovative financing, and private sector participation to accelerate Africa’s energy transition.
Kenya recently unveiled its National Energy Compact, outlining goals to achieve universal access, expand clean energy adoption, and enhance system resilience. The country is also strengthening regional integration through cross-border power trade and participation in regional energy pools. Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Assistant Secretary General (Programmes), Ambassador Mohamed Kadah, said that they are working to support governments and private-sector stakeholders in developing bankable, investment-ready energy access projects through a demand-driven approach. Ambassador Mohamed Kadah spoke when he officially launched the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Project Preparation Facility (PPF), a USD5 billion program, financed by the World Bank with a goal of providing electricity access to 100 million people in Eastern and Southern Africa.
