NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s electricity consumption has reached an all-time high, with demand peaking at 2,316 megawatts (MW) on February 12, 2025, according to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
The utility company attributes the surge to increased industrial activity, improved grid stability, and ongoing expansion projects, which have bolstered power supply reliability.
Data from Kenya Power’s National Control Centre indicates that peak electricity demand has been rising steadily over the past three years, with a notable acceleration since mid-2024.
“Looking at the trend, it took nearly two years for peak demand to increase by 200 MW, but since June 2024, we’ve seen an increase of 116 MW in just eight months, averaging 14.5 MW per month,” said Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Siror.
The company recorded seven new peak demand levels in 2024, with the highest at 2,288 MW in December.
By January 2025, the peak had climbed to 2,304 MW, before reaching the latest record of 2,316 MW this month.
Kenya Power credits the modernization and reinforcement of the national grid for the surge in electricity uptake.
Among the major infrastructure projects is the Kimuka 220/66kV substation, completed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), which has enhanced power distribution to Nairobi and surrounding counties.
Additionally, a 33kV double-circuit interconnector between Narok and Bomet has been instrumental in strengthening regional power supply.
The company has also implemented network reinforcement projects to reduce outages and improve redundancy.
In the past six months alone, Kenya Power has connected 198,535 new customers to the grid.
Further expansion is planned under the donor-funded Last Mile Phases IV and V, which aim to add 289,121 new connections.
Beyond traditional electricity consumption, Kenya Power is betting on e-mobility and electric cooking to sustain long-term demand growth.
“In April last year, we committed Ksh.258 million over three years to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and motorbikes in Kenya. This includes setting up charging stations nationwide and acquiring electric vehicles for company operations,” Siror stated.
The company is also promoting electric cooking as an alternative to charcoal and LPG, aligning with Kenya’s clean energy transition goals.
Despite the growth, concerns remain over grid capacity constraints. Kenya’s indicative firm capacity stands at 2,344 gigawatt hours (GWh), leaving little room for further demand spikes without additional generation capacity.
