Kenya Power Calls For Moderation In Solar And Wind Integration To Strengthen Grid Stability

Kenya Power has called for strategic moderation in the addition of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources such as solar and wind, citing concerns over grid stability, power quality, and rising electricity costs.

In a press release issued on August 11, 2026, the utility said the growing share of variable generation requires careful management to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply. Solar and wind currently contribute around 34% of Kenya’s energy mix during peak daytime demand of about 1,900 MW. Their contribution rises to 36% when demand falls to approximately 1,200 MW.

Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Siror said the high share of VRE can create challenges when solar or wind generation changes suddenly. The utility is required to dispatch additional generation to manage fluctuations in grid frequency and voltage, increasing system operating costs.

According to Siror, global benchmarks recommend limiting VRE to around 15% of a grid’s firm capacity. However, Kenya’s VRE integration has exceeded 20% under existing “take or pay” power purchase agreements. He said the additional generation required to maintain grid stability ultimately increases costs for consumers.

Kenya Power also highlighted battery energy storage as a possible solution, although it noted challenges in charging batteries when renewable generation is low. The utility stressed that the overall cost of renewable power must include not only generation costs but also expenses associated with maintaining grid reliability.

Kenya has the highest VRE contribution in the Eastern Africa Power Pool. VRE accounts for 10.4% in Egypt, 5.3% in Ethiopia, 4% in Uganda, and 1.2% in Tanzania.

To strengthen grid reliability, Kenya Power is supporting greater investment in firm generation sources, including geothermal, hydropower, thermal generation, and electricity imports. These sources currently provide about 80% of Kenya’s energy mix.

Planned additions include KenGen Olkaria 1 with 61 MW, Olkaria 7 with 80 MW, Globeleq Menengai and Orpower 22 Menengai with 35 MW each, Paka Silali with 100 MW, Nabuyole with 28 MW, and 200 MW of electricity imports from Ethiopia.

The utility also expects raising the Masinga Dam level by 1.5 metres to increase annual energy production by 83 GWh. Longer-term projects include a proposed 300 MW LNG plant, the 700 MW High Grand Falls project, and the 90 MW Karura Falls project.