NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s transition to clean energy is facing mounting pressure, with new data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) showing a steady rise in fuel consumption even as the country expands its renewable energy footprint.
According to EPRA’s latest biannual energy and petroleum statistics report, demand for petroleum products grew by 8.38pc during the review period, signalling continued dependence on fossil fuels across transport, industry, and logistics.
At the same time, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption rose by 14.59pc, reflecting increased adoption of cleaner household energy solutions.
The data presents a complex picture of Kenya’s energy transition—one marked by progress in cleaner fuels but persistent reliance on traditional petroleum products.
The rise in petroleum demand comes against the backdrop of economic recovery, with increased mobility, trade, and industrial activity driving fuel consumption.
While Kenya has made notable gains in electricity generation—largely powered by renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind—the transport sector remains heavily reliant on diesel and petrol.
This structural gap continues to slow the pace of overall decarbonisation.
The growth in LPG usage, however, signals progress in the household energy segment. Government-backed initiatives promoting clean cooking have expanded access to LPG, helping reduce reliance on biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood.
This shift aligns with national policy objectives aimed at improving public health and reducing environmental degradation.
Even so, the simultaneous rise in petroleum demand underscores the uneven nature of the transition.
The EPRA report highlights that while cleaner energy alternatives are gaining ground, they are not yet displacing fossil fuels at a pace sufficient to curb overall consumption.
The findings come at a time when Kenya is under increasing pressure to meet its climate commitments, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions under global environmental agreements.
Policy frameworks such as the Energy Act and national climate strategies emphasise a gradual shift toward low-carbon energy systems. However, the data suggests that implementation challenges remain.
Experts argue that accelerating the transition will require stronger policy interventions, including expanded investment in electric mobility, improved public transport systems, and incentives for cleaner industrial processes.
“Transitioning the power sector alone is not enough. Transport and industry must also shift, otherwise fossil fuel demand will continue to rise,” the analyst noted.
The report also raises governance concerns around the effectiveness of current policy tools in driving behavioural change and investment.
