Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya has set a new milestone in its electricity consumption, reaching its highest-ever demand on October 24, 2025. The country saw peak electricity demand hit 2,411.98 megawatts (MW), along with the highest daily energy consumption of 44,122.60 megawatt-hours (MWh), signaling a surge in both industrial and household energy use.
This achievement was largely driven by renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal and hydropower, underscoring Kenya’s growing reliance on clean, sustainable power. According to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), which continues to dominate the country’s green energy landscape, the rise in demand was met without disruption, highlighting the nation’s energy stability.
KenGen’s Renewable Energy Leadership
KenGen’s renewable energy stations were key contributors to meeting the new demand. The company’s geothermal plants generated 12,787 MWh, surpassing their target by 5.07%, while hydropower stations produced 9,871 MWh, exceeding projections by 3.23%. Together, these sources accounted for the majority of the energy generated during the peak demand period.
KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, attributed the smooth delivery of electricity to the company’s consistent renewable energy output, which anchors Kenya’s grid reliability. “KenGen’s renewable generation continues to reduce reliance on expensive thermal power, aligning with Kenya’s long-term climate goals and ensuring the stability of our power grid,” Njenga stated.
KenGen now has an installed renewable energy capacity of over 1,605 MW, a significant milestone for the company and Kenya’s energy sector.
Solar, Wind, and Thermal Contributions
While geothermal and hydropower played the largest role, other renewable sources also contributed to meeting the record demand. Wind power output rose by 15.45%, thanks to improved performance at night, while solar generation saw a seasonal dip, dropping by 21.5%.
Thermal power plants made a brief but necessary contribution, supplying 11% of the total generation, slightly above target. This was enough to ensure a balanced supply of electricity throughout the day and avoid any power shortages or load shedding.
Kenya’s Growing Energy Capacity
Kenya’s record-breaking demand is being hailed as a sign of the country’s economic recovery, with growing industrial activity and expanding household electricity consumption. Eng. Njenga noted that the country’s ability to meet this high demand without resorting to load shedding demonstrates the effectiveness of the investments made into renewable energy sources.
“This growth in power demand reflects the success of our investments in sustainable generation,” he said, adding that the country is now better positioned to meet future energy needs as its economy continues to recover and expand.
Looking Ahead
As Kenya moves forward, the emphasis on renewable energy remains a key pillar in ensuring both energy security and sustainability. The continued expansion of renewable energy capacity is essential not only to meet growing demand but also to support the government’s climate action targets and to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
KenGen’s role in this transition is vital, as it strengthens its position as a leader in Africa’s green energy movement, supporting Kenya’s ambitions to become a fully sustainable, low-carbon economy.
