Kenya Power has raised concerns about the rapid expansion of solar and wind energy in Kenya, warning that it could lead to higher electricity costs for consumers if not properly managed.

On 11 August 2026, the utility highlighted that the share of variable renewable energy (VRE) from wind and solar sources has exceeded the recommended global limit of 15% of grid capacity. Currently, these sources account for about 34% of the energy mix during peak demand and 36% during low demand periods.

Challenges with Current Energy Mix

Kenya Power’s Managing Director, Joseph Siror, explained that the existing power purchase agreements, which operate on a take-or-pay basis, require the company to pay for energy even when it is not needed. This arrangement increases the cost of power supply because Kenya Power must keep additional generation plants on standby to maintain grid stability when solar and wind output fluctuates.

"The intermittent nature of wind and solar means we must dispatch and pay for other generators to stabilize the grid, pushing up overall costs," Siror said.

Need for Reliable Energy Sources

To address these challenges, Kenya Power advocates for increased investment in geothermal and hydroelectric power, which provide more consistent and stable energy. While battery storage solutions have been suggested, they currently fall short when simultaneous drops in wind and solar output occur.

"Investing in geothermal and hydro ensures the grid remains stable and productive even when intermittent sources are unavailable," Siror noted.

Regional Context and Future Projects

Kenya leads the Eastern Africa Power Pool in VRE dependence, with a share significantly higher than neighboring countries such as Egypt (10.4%), Ethiopia (5.3%), Uganda (4%), and Tanzania (1.2%).

To enhance grid reliability, new baseload projects are underway or planned, including:

  • KenGen Olkaria 1 (61MW)
  • KenGen Olkaria 7 (80MW)
  • Globeleq Menengai (35MW)
  • 200MW power import arrangement with Ethiopia
  • Raising Masinga Dam water levels to increase generation by 83GWh annually

Longer-term proposals include a 300MW LNG plant, the 700MW High Grand Falls project, and the 90MW Karura Falls development.