Kenya Moves to Modernise Power Grid as Renewable Energy Expands

By Violet Kerubo

Kenya is seeking to modernise its electricity grid and deploy new technologies to support the growing integration of renewable energy into the national power system.

The State Department for Energy, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, on Tuesday convened the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, industry executives, technology leaders, development partners and research institutions to discuss the country’s energy transition.

The forum focused on how Kenya can strengthen the stability and resilience of its electricity system as the country increases its reliance on renewable sources, particularly wind and solar.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira said Kenya has made significant progress in developing a clean and increasingly renewable-based electricity system.

He pointed to the country’s geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources as providing a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future.

However, Wachira warned that the growing contribution of variable renewable energy was creating new demands on the electricity grid.

He said Kenya’s energy transition should therefore go beyond increasing power generation to include fundamental changes in how the electricity system is planned, operated and managed.

The PS identified smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage among the technologies that could help the country accommodate higher levels of renewable energy.

According to Wachira, such technologies will also be critical in improving grid resilience and reducing technical and commercial losses.

The discussions at the half-day forum included grid-forming energy storage, smart-grid technology, wireless network solutions and emerging trends and challenges in Kenya’s energy sector.

Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO for Public Affairs James Sun Quan said the company was committed to supporting Kenya’s energy transition through technology.

He said grid-forming energy storage and smart-grid solutions could help the country integrate more renewable energy while maintaining a stable and reliable electricity network.

The partnership between the State Department for Energy and Huawei comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen the technological infrastructure required to support its renewable-energy ambitions.

Wachira challenged stakeholders to move beyond discussions about available technologies and focus on how such solutions can be deployed at scale.

He said successful implementation would require not only technological investment but also appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks to unlock the potential of new energy technologies.

The PS said Kenya has an opportunity to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, citing its renewable-energy resources, growing technology ecosystem and existing energy-sector foundation.

He called for the forum’s deliberations to translate into concrete partnerships, investments and practical solutions capable of shaping Kenya’s future power system.

The forum was attended by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Chairman Moses Mabonga, KenGen Chief Executive Officer Peter Njenga and a Huawei delegation led by James Sun Quan.