Energy PS Alex Wachira during the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 in Nairobi. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]
Kenya is stepping up efforts to modernise its electricity system and increase the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
The State Department for Energy, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, convened the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, technology experts, development partners and researchers to discuss the future of the country’s energy sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said Kenya had made significant progress in developing a clean and increasingly renewable-based electricity system, supported by its geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.
He, however, said the growing use of variable renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, required the country to strengthen the flexibility, stability and resilience of its electricity system.
“The energy transition is therefore not simply about adding more renewable generation. It is also about modernising the electricity grid and transforming the way we plan, operate and manage the power system,” Wachira said.
Wachira identified smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage as key technologies that could help strengthen grid stability, integrate more renewable energy, improve resilience and reduce technical and commercial losses.