Kenya is emerging as a beacon of hope and leadership in Africa’s transition to green energy. Positioned along the equator with abundant natural resources, Kenya has taken bold steps to harness its renewable energy potential, combat climate change, ensure energy access, and drive sustainable economic growth. This comprehensive article explores the status, progress, innovations, challenges, and future of green energy solutions in Kenya, highlighting how the country is redefining its energy landscape.
Kenya’s energy sector has undergone significant transformation over the past two decades. Historically reliant on biomass and fossil fuels, the country has made a remarkable shift towards renewable energy sources. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, as of 2024, more than 80% of Kenya’s electricity is generated from renewable sources ,one of the highest proportions globally. The key contributors to Kenya’s green energy mix include: Geothermal Energy – 46%, Hydropower – 18%, Wind Energy – 12%, Solar Energy – 6%, Other Renewables & Imports – 18%.
Kenya is the leading geothermal energy producer in Africa, primarily due to its location along the Great Rift Valley, a tectonic hotspot rich in geothermal resources. Key geothermal plants include: Olkaria Geothermal Complex in Naivasha, operated by KenGen, with a combined capacity of over 800 MW; and the Menengai and Baringo-Silali Projects, expanding capacity with support from international financiers. Geothermal energy is reliable, low-cost, and provides baseload power, making it central to Kenya’s green energy strategy. Kenya is also home to the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project (LTWP) , the largest wind farm in Africa with a capacity of 310 MW. Located in Marsabit County, the LTWP supplies approximately 17% of the country’s electricity needs and reduces Kenya’s reliance on thermal power. Solar energy is rapidly gaining traction, especially in off-grid rural areas. With high solar irradiance throughout the year, Kenya has invested in utility-scale solar farms, such as the 55 MW Garissa Solar Plant, decentralized solar home systems, mini-grids, and solar lanterns in remote communities, and solar-powered irrigation and cold storage solutions in the agricultural sector. While historically dominant, hydropower’s share has declined due to climate-induced variability in rainfall. However, small-scale hydro remains vital for localized green power, especially in hilly and mountainous regions.
Off-grid energy solutions are transforming lives in Kenya’s underserved regions. Solar kits, clean cookstoves, biogas digesters, and micro-hydro systems are empowering rural households, schools, and health centers. Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems by companies like M-KOPA and d.light have reached over 1 million households. Mini-grid solutions, supported by organizations like PowerGen and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), are providing reliable power to remote villages. Biogas projects, especially in farming communities, are turning agricultural waste into clean energy for cooking and lighting.
Kenya’s progress in green energy is backed by robust policies and institutions. Kenya Vision 2030 envisions a secure and sustainable energy sector. The Energy Act 2019 provides a legal framework for renewable energy development and net metering. The National Energy Policy 2018 promotes renewable energy access and private sector participation. Key public players like the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) are driving geothermal and large-scale renewable projects. The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are encouraging investment in solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro.
Kenya’s commitment to green energy is central to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030. Green energy is also pivotal to climate adaptation and resilience, especially in drought-prone areas. Additionally, Kenya’s green energy solutions support the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Despite the impressive progress, Kenya still faces several challenges. These include high initial capital costs for infrastructure and technology, limited grid connectivity in remote areas, policy enforcement gaps and bureaucratic delays in licensing, affordability issues for low-income households, and climate variability, which affects hydropower and agriculture-linked energy needs. Addressing these challenges requires stronger partnerships, inclusive financing models, community engagement, and sustained policy reforms.
Kenya’s vibrant tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem has played a crucial role in green energy adoption. Innovations include mobile-based energy payments through M-Pesa integration, smart microgrids that monitor usage and efficiency, green entrepreneurship incubators and hubs supporting solar, clean cooking, and e-mobility ventures, and electric mobility (e-mobility) projects like e-bikes and electric buses by startups such as BasiGo and Roam. The private sector, NGOs, development partners, and government collaborations have accelerated access, awareness, and investment in sustainable energy.
Kenya’s green energy sector holds immense potential for further expansion, innovation, and impact. Future opportunities include scaling up battery storage and smart grid technologies, investing in green hydrogen and sustainable fuels, expanding e-mobility and electric public transport systems, enhancing gender inclusion and youth participation in the energy sector, and strengthening South-South cooperation on renewable energy development. With continued commitment, Kenya can serve as a model for green growth in Africa and beyond.
Green energy solutions are not only powering Kenya but also empowering its people. From the geothermal wells of Naivasha to the solar panels lighting up Turkana, Kenya’s renewable revolution is a story of resilience, innovation, and hope. By investing in sustainable energy, Kenya is lighting the way to a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future.