If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about renewable energy in Kenya or someone who wants to understand how Kenya is powering its future. We are glad you’re here.
Kenya is a leader in Africa regarding clean power, and renewable energy in Kenya is growing fast. Today, we will walk you through everything, from the basics to the latest statistics on renewable energy in Kenya and tips for getting involved.
Our lawyers in Kenya have guided many clients through renewable energy deals in Kenya, ensuring everything is smooth and secure.
First off, why does renewable energy in Kenya matter so much?
Kenya has excellent natural resources; shifting to renewables means more jobs, lower costs, and a healthier planet.
As of 2025, Kenya’s energy access has jumped to about 79% from just 37% a decade ago.
That’s huge for rural people and businesses. Plus, with climate change knocking, renewables help Kenya stay resilient.
What Are the 4 Main Sources of Energy Available in Kenya?
Kenya has four key renewable energy sources that power most of the country: geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar.
These are working systems that keep lights on from Nairobi to the coast. Here is each one, with the latest numbers.
1. Geothermal Energy in Kenya.
This is steam from deep underground that spins turbines to make electricity. Kenya sits on the Great Rift Valley, so it’s got tons of this heat. Geothermal makes up about 43% of Kenya’s electricity mix.
KenGen is a company in Kenya that runs most of it, with over 900 MW installed. Projects like Olkaria are expanding; by 2030, they aim for 5,000 MW.
2. Hydroelectric Power
This uses rivers and dams to generate power. Kenya has rivers like the Tana, so hydro is reliable, especially in rainy seasons. It accounts for 28% of the power mix today.
The Seven Forks dams produce much, but droughts can slow them down. Still, with climate-smart designs, hydro is key to renewable energy sources in Kenya. Investors love it for steady returns.
3. Wind Energy
Coastal areas like Turkana have strong breezes, which are perfect for turbines. The Lake Turkana Wind Project is Africa’s largest, at 310 MW, feeding 14% of the grid.
It’s created thousands of jobs and cut fuel imports. If you’re into renewable energy opportunities in Kenya, wind farms need local partners, which is great for communities.
4. Solar Energy
This is sunlight turned into power with panels. It’s exploding, capacity grew 40% from 2020 to 2022, and it’s still climbing in 2025.
It contributes to 13 percent of the power used in Kenya. Off-grid solar lights up remote homes via projects like KOSAP, reaching over a million people.
For homeowners or businesses, a solar energy system in Kenya costs less now, with pay-as-you-go options. Check out solar energy solutions in Kenya for easy installs.
These four sources comprise Kenya’s massive renewable energy potential—over 10,000 MW untapped. But remember, there’s also non-renewable stuff like diesel generators for backups. We’ll cover that next.
If you’re into renewable energy projects in Kenya, solar ones are everywhere. Here’s a quick list of renewable energy projects in Kenya focused on solar:
Garissa Solar Plant: 50 MW, one of Africa’s biggest, powering eastern Kenya.
KenGen’s 42.5 MW Floating Solar at Seven Forks: Set for 2027, combining with hydro for steady power.
New 40 MW farms in Isinya, Makueni, and Uasin Gishu: Tendered in March 2025, adding grid capacity.
KOSAP Mini-Grids: 277 sites electrifying villages with solar
What Type of Energy Is Used in Kenya?
Okay, so what types of renewable energy does Kenya use? Mostly the four we mentioned above, but let’s zoom out to the whole picture.
Kenya’s energy isn’t all green yet; total energy use includes cooking fuels like charcoal and transport diesel. But in electricity, renewables dominate.
As of late 2024, Kenya’s total installed capacity is about 3,612 MW, with renewables at 80.32% or 2,901 MW.
That’s geothermal (43%), hydro (28%), wind (13%), and solar (8%), plus others (the rest).
What About Non-renewable Sources of Energy in Kenya?
About 20% from thermal plants burning heavy fuel oil or gas, primarily for peaking power when demand spikes.
Overall, Kenya’s energy sources are shifting fast.
The total final energy consumption has around 70-80% renewables, but electricity will be the star at 90-92% in 2025.
Kenya’s biomass energy, like wood for cooking, is significant, but it is transitioning to cleaner biogas. Non-renewable energy information shows diesel imports cost billions yearly, and renewables cut that.
What Is the Percentage of Renewable Energy in Kenya?
In electricity generation, it’s about 90% as of 2025. That’s up from 88% in 2023.
- Geothermal leads at 43%
- Hydro-electric power 28%
- Wind 14%
- Solar is growing at 5-10%.
Total energy (including transport and heat) is lower, around 75%, per World Bank data.
The share of renewable energy in Kenya is climbing because of policies, and we’ll get to that. Kenya is ranked first in Africa for geothermal and seventh globally. By 2030, the goal is 100% renewable electricity. That’s ambitious but doable with current growth at 3.1% yearly.
Renewable energy status and uptake in Kenya show rural areas lagging, but mini-grids are closing the gap. For investors, this means high returns; geothermal projects yield 10-15%.
A Quick History of Renewable Energy in Kenya
Renewable energy in Kenya didn’t happen overnight. Back in the 1980s, hydro was king, but droughts pushed geothermal in the 2000s.
The 2010 Renewable Energy Act kick-started private investment. By 2020, renewables hit 80%, despite COVID.
Now, in 2025, renewable energy in Kenya 2020 feels like ancient history; the sector’s doubled.
Renewable energy in Africa, especially in Kenya, inspires neighbors like Zimbabwe, which is catching up with solar.
The Policies Driving Renewable Energy in Kenya
Policies are the backbone. The Renewable Energy Policy in Kenya, updated in the National Energy Policy 2025-2034, pushes for 100% clean power.
It covers auctions, feed-in tariffs, and off-grid rules. The renewable energy auction policy in Kenya streamlines bids for big projects.
The Renewable Energy Act of Kenya ensures fair play, with EPRA regulating. For businesses, this means clear rules and less red tape.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we specialize in compliance for renewable energy investment in Kenya.
List of Renewable Energy Projects in Kenya
Want action? Here’s a list of renewable energy projects in Kenya buzzing in 2025:
- Olkaria Geothermal Expansion: Adding 140 MW, led by KenGen.
- Lake Turkana Wind: Already at 310 MW, powering a million homes.
- KOSAP Solar Mini-Grids: 277 sites, electrifying remote villages.
- Garissa Solar Plant: 50 MW, one of Africa’s largest.
- Menengai Geothermal: 100+ MW by 2026.
Renewable energy projects in Kenya attract $2.5B in private funds. Landowners, get in early; leases pay well.
Top Renewable Energy Companies in Kenya
Who’s building this? The top 10 renewable energy companies in Kenya include:
1. KenGen: State giant, 90% renewables.
2. Sun King: Off-grid solar leader.
3. CrossBoundary Energy: Funds commercial solar.
4. MOMA Renewable Energy: Mini-grids expert.
5. Milele Energy: Solar, wind investor.
6. PowerGen: Off-grid solutions.
7. Strauss Energy: Green bonds for projects.
8. ENGIE Energy Access: PayGo solar.
9. SOLEKTRA International: EPC for installs.
10. Kenya Green Supply: Components supplier.
Like these, renewable energy companies in Kenya create green energy solutions Kenya-wide. Green Energy Limited, Kenya, is another rising star.
Opportunities in Renewable Energy in Kenya
Renewable energy investment in Kenya is hot—returns beat stocks. Funds like Africa50 pour in billions. Tenders? Check renewable energy tenders in Kenya on the EPRA site.
Landowners: Lease for wind or solar—earn passive income. We’ve drafted those at our firm.
General public: Go solar for your home. Costs dropped 80% in a decade.
Renewable energy in Africa 2021 was promising; now, in 2025, Kenya leads.
Jobs in the Renewable Energy Sector in Kenya
Renewable energy jobs in Kenya are booming. From engineers to community liaisons, thousands are open yearly. What are the renewable energy jobs in Kenya’s salary? Entry-level 50K KSh, seniors 200K+.
Clean energy jobs in Kenya include NGO roles—renewable energy NGOs in Kenya, like the Kenya Renewable Energy Association, support training. NGO renewable energy jobs in Kenya pay 80-150K.
Renewable energy jobs in Kenya 2025? Expect 10,000 new spots, per policy. Check renewable energy jobs in Kenya on LinkedIn. Recent: Internships via renewables Kenya events.
Final Words
Renewable energy in Kenya is transforming lives, with 90% clean power, increasing jobs, and endless potential. Investing, leasing land, or switching to home solar is a win.
At Chepchieng and Company Advocates, we’re professional lawyers in Kenya in the renewable energy business. From policy advice to contracts, we make it easy.
FAQs
1. How much of Kenya’s energy is renewable?
About 90% of Kenya’s electricity came from renewable sources in 2025. For all energy use, including cooking and transport, renewables make up about 75%, thanks to biomass and off-grid solar. Kenya aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
2. What NGO deals with renewable energy in Kenya?
The Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA) is a key NGO promoting solar, wind, and other renewables since 2002. Others include Energy 4 Impact (solar and clean cooking), Renewable World (microgrids), and Powershift Africa (policy advocacy). These renewable energy NGOs in Kenya support projects and jobs.
3. What are the primary sources of renewable energy in Kenya?
Kenya’s renewable energy sources are geothermal (40-45%), hydropower (25%), wind (13-14%), and solar (3-6.5% on-grid, more off-grid). Biomass, like crop waste for cooking, also counts—these drive renewable energy in Kenya, powering 90% of electricity.
4. What types of renewable energy does Kenya use?
Kenya uses geothermal (from underground steam), hydropower (from rivers), wind (from turbines), solar (from sunlight), and biomass (from organic waste). Geothermal and hydro lead, but solar energy in Kenya is growing fastest, especially off-grid.
5. What are the non-renewable sources of energy in Kenya?
Non-renewable energy sources in Kenya include diesel and heavy fuel oil for thermal plants, making up about 8-10% of electricity. These are used for backup when demand spikes. Coal plans were scrapped for greener options.
6. What is Kenya’s renewable energy policy?
The Energy Act 2019 and National Energy Policy 2025-2034 aim for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. They offer tax breaks, feed-in tariffs, and auctions for projects. EPRA regulates the use of renewable energy in Kenya to make it affordable and fair.
7. How can I get a job in renewable energy in Kenya?
Check LinkedIn or KEREA for renewable energy jobs in Kenya. Roles like solar technicians pay 50,000 KSh/month, seniors 200,000+. Get a diploma (KCSE C+) or short courses from TVETs. Over 10,000 jobs are expected in 2025, especially in solar.
8. Are there renewable energy jobs with NGOs in Kenya?
Yes, NGOs like KEREA, Energy 4 Impact, and Renewable World offer NGO renewable energy jobs in Kenya. Roles include project management and community training, paying 80,000-150,000 KSh/month. Check their websites for openings.
9. What are the opportunities for landowners in renewable energy?
Landowners can lease land for solar or wind farms, earning a steady income (often 50,000-100,000 KSh/month per acre). Projects like KOSAP need land for mini-grids. Chepchieng and Company Advocates can review lease contracts for fairness.
10. How can investors get involved in renewable energy in Kenya?
Investors can fund solar, wind, or geothermal projects with 10-15% returns. Check renewable energy tenders in Kenya on EPRA’s website. Over $2.5 billion in private funds flow in. Our firm, Chepchieng and Company Advocates, ensures legal clarity for investments.
11. What challenges does renewable energy in Kenya face?
Challenges include grid delays, drought affecting hydro, and high upfront costs for solar. Solutions like battery storage and new substations are helping. Policies keep pushing renewable energy solutions in Kenya forward.
12. How can I start using solar energy at home?
Buy a solar energy system in Kenya for 10,000-50,000 KSh from companies like Sun King or M-KOPA. Pay-as-you-go options make it affordable. It cuts bills and works off-grid, perfect for rural homes.
13. What’s the future of renewable energy in Kenya?
By 2030, Kenya aims for 100% renewable electricity, with 6,000 MW more capacity planned. Solar and geothermal will lead, creating jobs and cutting costs.
