Nairobi: In an event to mark the 2024/25 financial year, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has presented a report from the players in the petroleum and energy sector, underscoring Kenya's growth in renewable energy and infrastructure development.
According to Kenya News Agency, the report provides an analysis of the performance of the electricity, petroleum, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and renewable energy subsectors, offering insights into trends and developments shaping Kenya's energy landscape.
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo emphasized the need for sustainable energy practices, stating that Kenya is on track to becoming a leader in renewable energy and must continue investing in cleaner and more efficient energy sources.
Kiptoo added that the energy and petroleum sector in Kenya is evolving, with a 7.12 percent growth in local petroleum demand, commencement of power transmission through the Isinya-Arusha-Singida 400kV line, and a 480.65 percent increase in electricity consumption under the electric mobility tariff as of December 2024.
Meanwhile, the report, as revealed by Director of Economic Regulations and Strategy Dr. John Mutua, highlights an increase in electricity generation, with renewable sources now accounting for over 80 percent of the national supply.
Dr. Mutua observed a decline in global crude oil prices driven by slowed global economic growth and reduced fuel demand in China, resulting in a decrease in local fuel prices, benefiting consumers.
The report reveals that Kenya's electricity generation has increased by 6.13 percent, reaching 7,222.37 GWh. Geothermal energy remains the dominant source, contributing 39.81 percent of total generation, with hydro and wind accounting for 24.74 percent and 13.46 percent, respectively.
Dr. Mutua noted that electricity imports rose to 751.95 GWh, accounting for 10.41 percent of total consumption, driven by the operation of electricity imports from Ethiopia and energy exchange initiation with Tanzania.
Peak demand hit 2,288.35 MW on October 29, 2024, sustaining levels above 2,200 MW throughout the period. Additionally, electricity access has expanded with 194,654 new connections, bringing the total grid-connected customers to 9.85 million.
Further, hydropower and geothermal energy remain dominant, while solar and wind energy capacities continue to expand. The report also showed that improvements in infrastructure and maintenance have led to a decline in power outages.
In the petroleum sector, Kenya's fuel imports have surged to meet rising demand in the transport and industrial sectors. With new regulatory guidelines for energy efficiency across industries, policymakers and investors are expected to align with EPRA's vision for a sustainable future. The report serves as a resource for stakeholders navigating the evolving energy landscape in Kenya.