Kenya hits five-year peak in electricity demand, driven by homes and e-mobility

Business · Chrispho Owuor · September 30, 2025
Kenya hits five-year peak in electricity demand, driven by homes and e-mobility
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo
In Summary

Household electricity use grew by 13.03 percent to 3,640.32 GWh, making residential consumption one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Small commercial enterprises also saw an 11.5 percent increase in usage, reaching 1,913.26 GWh, a rise attributed to urban expansion and growth in micro and small businesses.

Kenya’s electricity consumption reached a five-year peak in September 2025, with demand hitting 2,316.2 MW as households, small businesses, and e-mobility initiatives drove growth across the country.

According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday, total electricity generation rose 6 percent to 14,472 GWh, with renewable energy sources supplying 80 percent of the national grid and cementing Kenya’s leadership in clean power.

“Kenya recorded the highest electricity consumption in five years with a new peak demand of 2,316.2 MW. Total generation rose 6 percent to 14,472 GWh. Approximately 80 percent of the grid's power came from renewables, led by geothermal energy,” the report stated.

Household electricity use grew by 13.03 percent to 3,640.32 GWh, making residential consumption one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Small commercial enterprises also saw an 11.5 percent increase in usage, reaching 1,913.26 GWh, a rise attributed to urban expansion and growth in micro and small businesses. Street lighting projects have expanded as well, supporting safer and more vibrant urban areas.

E-mobility emerged as a standout contributor, with consumption tripling to 5.04 GWh in 2025. The report notes this growth as a milestone in Kenya’s shift to clean transport, driven by rising adoption of electric vehicles, expanded charging infrastructure, and supportive policies.

Large-scale industrial consumers benefited from the Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff, saving about Sh 1.438 billion by shifting 180.3 GWh of consumption to off-peak hours. This strategy has eased pressure on the national grid during peak periods and reduced operational costs for manufacturers, promoting industrial competitiveness.

The report also highlights the role of regional power integration in stabilizing Kenya’s electricity system. “Regional integration also strengthened with the 400 kV line to Tanzania and imports from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania which improved system flexibility,” EPRA noted. These cross-border connections enhance Kenya’s ability to balance supply and demand while reinforcing East Africa’s interconnected energy market.

Clean cooking solutions also saw significant growth, with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumption rising 15 percent to 414,861 metric tonnes. The increase is credited to targeted interventions for households, institutions, and the emerging auto-gas sector, improving accessibility and affordability.

The 2025 report presents a picture of a rapidly expanding energy sector that remains aligned with Kenya’s sustainability goals. By maintaining a high share of renewable energy, the country continues to position itself as a leader in green energy transition across Africa. Continued investment in e-mobility, clean cooking, and regional power integration will be essential to sustaining this growth.

“On clean cooking, LPG consumption increased 15 percent to 414,861 metric tonnes, supported by targeted interventions across households, institutions, and auto-gas,” the report highlighted.

As electricity demand rises, policymakers and industry players are expected to intensify renewable energy expansion, efficiency programs, and consumer-friendly tariffs. With households and industries both recording substantial gains, the statistics underscore Kenya’s commitment to energy access, sustainability, and economic growth.

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