Kenya is stepping up efforts to modernise its electricity grid and expand its capacity to absorb more renewable energy as the country seeks a more stable, resilient and digitally enabled power system.
The push emerged at the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 held Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, where the State Department for Energy and Huawei Kenya brought together government officials, energy-sector executives and technology leaders to explore solutions for the country’s evolving energy needs.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy Alex Wachira, CBS, said Kenya’s growing reliance on variable renewable sources such as wind and solar requires corresponding investments in grid stability, flexibility and resilience.
“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.
Kenya already has a strong foundation for the transition, with significant geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources. However, Wachira said the increasing integration of variable renewable energy makes it necessary for the country to adopt technologies capable of balancing fluctuations in power generation while maintaining reliable electricity supply.
He 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, improve resilience and reduce technical and commercial losses.
The forum, organised by the State Department for Energy in partnership with Huawei Kenya, focused on how digital technologies can support Kenya’s energy transition.
Discussions covered Kenya’s energy development trends and challenges, grid-forming energy storage solutions, smart grid technology and wireless network solutions, alongside the Green Smart Energy Initiative.
Huawei's participation centred on the use of digital technologies to improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity systems as Kenya increases its renewable energy capacity.
James Sun Quan, Deputy CEO, Public Affairs at Huawei Kenya, said the company was committed to working with the government to support the country’s energy transition.
“Technologies such as grid-forming energy storage and smart grid solutions can help Kenya integrate more renewable energy while keeping the grid stable and reliable,” James said.
He added that Huawei would continue working with the State Department for Energy to develop practical solutions for the country's power sector.
The forum brought together key players in Kenya’s energy industry, including Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Chairman Moses Mabonga, KenGen Chief Executive Officer Eng. Peter Njenga, Kenya Power representative Eng. Mary Njau, as well as Huawei officials including Sean Lixiang, Director of Huawei Digital Power Department, and Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs, Huawei Kenya.
From discussions to implementation
Wachira challenged stakeholders to move beyond discussions on available technologies and focus on how such solutions can be implemented at scale.
He said investment, policy and regulatory frameworks would be critical to unlocking the potential of new technologies and ensuring that Kenya's energy transition delivers practical benefits.
The PS said Kenya has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in Africa's energy transition, given its renewable energy resources, growing technology ecosystem and established energy infrastructure.
“We have the renewable energy resources, a growing technology ecosystem and a strong foundation in our energy sector,” he said.
Wachira called for the discussions at the forum to translate into partnerships, investments and practical solutions capable of strengthening Kenya’s energy system.
The forum comes as Kenya seeks to deepen the integration of renewable energy into its electricity mix while addressing the technical challenges associated with maintaining a reliable grid amid changing patterns of power generation and consumption.
