Kenya Power has announced a significant milestone in electricity demand, with power consumption reaching a new peak of 2,316 megawatts (MW) last Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 2,304 MW set in mid-January. This surge in demand reflects the ongoing improvements in the national grid’s stability and the connection of new customers.
Dr. Joseph Siror, Managing Director of Kenya Power, attributed the growth to several key projects aimed at enhancing grid reliability. Notable among these is the completion of the Kimuka 220/66kV substation by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), which has enabled the construction of four 66kV feeder lines. These lines serve Nairobi and its surrounding counties, improving power delivery. Additionally, the timely completion of the 33kV double circuit interconnector between Narok and Bomet has further stabilized the grid.
These infrastructure upgrades, combined with the addition of new customers, have contributed to the surge in power usage. Over the last six months, Kenya Power has connected 198,535 new customers to the national grid, marking a substantial increase in electricity demand. The utility company expects continued growth in both demand and customer base, driven by further grid enhancements and ongoing connectivity projects.
The rise in peak demand has been steadily accelerating, particularly in 2024. While electricity demand surpassed 2,000 MW in late 2021 and 2,100 MW in 2022, it remained below 2,200 MW in 2023 before regaining momentum in June 2024. Between June 2023 and February 2024, peak demand increased by 116 MW, or an average of 14.5 MW per month, signaling a robust growth trajectory.
Kenya Power’s expansion plans also focus on boosting consumption from emerging sectors, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and e-cooking. The electric utility has seen a significant increase in electricity usage from EV accounts, with demand growing from 100,000 units to 350,000 units in less than a year. To support this growth, Kenya Power has invested Ksh 258 million in building charging stations for electric vehicles and motorbikes and has also launched e-cooking hubs in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
Looking ahead, Kenya Power aims to connect 289,121 new customers through the completion of Last Mile Phases IV and V, further contributing to the growth of electricity demand and revenue. The company remains optimistic about the future, with continued investments in grid infrastructure and innovation poised to meet the country’s rising energy needs.
