Kenya urged to intensify green investments in mini-grids to boost access

Kenya is being encouraged to boost its efforts in green investments, particularly in mini-grids, to improve access to electricity, especially in remote areas without grid connections. At the Power Africa Conference 2026, Renewable Energy Assistant Director George Nyongayo emphasized Kenya's commitment to expanding investments in renewable energy to sustain its green transition.

According to the latest data from the energy ministry, Kenya's total installed capacity stands at 3,309MW with a peak demand of 2,514MW. As energy demand is projected to rise due to upcoming large projects, Kenya seeks partnerships that will speed up electricity access in these underserved areas. Nyongayo, speaking on behalf of Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, highlighted the importance of leveraging the East African Power Pool alongside increased investments in renewable power through private sector collaborations.

The conference, aimed at harnessing partnerships to explore technologies that will also tackle the high energy costs in the region, also addresses the funding gap in the power sector. To bridge this gap, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has mobilized Ksh 1.9 billion to support the development of renewable projects in Kenya and Nigeria.

With mini-grids poised to expand access to electricity in remote areas, particularly for initiatives such as tele-health, the five-day conference has gathered over 250 delegates from more than 50 countries.