Kenya Power hits new electricity demand peak of 2,316 MW
This surge in demand highlights a significant increase in electricity consumption across the country, driven by ongoing grid enhancements, major infrastructure projects, and the connection of over 198,500 new customers.
Kenya Power has set a new record for electricity demand, reaching a peak of 2,316 MW on February 12, 2025, surpassing the previous high of 2,304 MW recorded in January.
This surge in demand highlights a significant increase in electricity consumption across the country, driven by ongoing grid enhancements, major infrastructure projects, and the connection of over 198,500 new customers.
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Dr Joseph Siror, Kenya Power's Managing Director and CEO, shared his insights on the trend, stating, "It took almost two years for peak demand to rise by 200 MW. However, since June last year, we've seen a growth of more than 116 MW, meaning peak demand has been increasing by an average of 14.5 MW each month over the past 8 months."
The company's data shows that electricity demand crossed the 2,000 MW threshold at the end of 2021 and has steadily increased, with notable growth in 2024.
This upward trajectory is primarily attributed to significant investments in the stabilisation and expansion of the national power grid. Projects such as the completion of the Kimuka 220/66kV substation and key interconnector projects, including the 33kV double circuit between Narok and Bomet, have enhanced the reliability of the electricity supply.
"The investment in upgrading transmission lines by Kenya Power and KETRACO has resulted in a more stable grid," Dr. Siror said.
Kenya Power has connected over 198,535 new customers to the grid in the past six months, driving up electricity demand.
The company is also working on expanding its network through donor-funded projects like Last Mile Phases IV and V, which will add another 289,121 customers.
"In just the last six months, we've successfully connected over 198,535 new customers to the grid. With the completion of the Last Mile Phases IV and V, we anticipate adding another 289,121 customers, which will help us meet the growing electricity demand," stated the Kenya Power CEO.
In line with its growth strategy, Kenya Power is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric cooking (e-cooking) to boost electricity consumption while supporting environmental sustainability.
"In less than a year, Kenya Power was billing less than 100,000 units of electricity on e-mobility accounts. Today, we are billing an average of 350,000 units from the accounts, representing more than triple the growth in electricity demand from this customer segment over this period," Dr. Siror stated.
The company has also established E-cooking hubs in major cities, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu, to encourage the use of modern electric cooking appliances, particularly in institutions like schools and hotels.
To meet the rising electricity demand, Dr. Siror stressed that the focus must now shift towards increasing the country's electricity generation capacity.
"The focus should now shift toward increasing the country's electricity generation to improve spinning reserves to the standard 15 per cent level," he emphasised.
Through its expansion efforts, Kenya Power is effectively contributing to the country's growing electricity consumption, supporting both economic development and sustainability goals.
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