The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has released its statistics report for the year ended June 2026, showing continued growth in electricity consumption across all eight regions of Kenya. Nairobi led national electricity consumption at 5,465.36 GWh, accounting for nearly 44% of the country's total power usage. This reinforces Nairobi's position as the country's largest electricity market by a wide margin. The report highlights regional disparities in electricity demand.
According to the EPRA report, the Coast region ranked second with 2,087.62 GWh, representing 17.74% of national consumption, while North Eastern came third at 1,411.66 GWh, or 11.34% of the total. Central Rift accounted for 9% of national consumption, followed by Mt. Kenya at 7%. West Kenya and North Rift each contributed 5%, while South Nyanza recorded the smallest share at 2%. These numbers demonstrate a sharp concentration of electricity demand in urban and coastal corridors.
Despite posting the lowest consumption share, South Nyanza registered the highest year-on-year growth rate among all regions at 17.93%. EPRA attributed the surge to the commissioning of the Sondu-Ndhiwa Transmission Line, which significantly improved the reliability of electricity supply in the area. This upgrade has had a positive impact on the region's electricity consumption.
The EPRA report highlights ongoing disparities in industrial activity, population density, and commercial infrastructure across Kenya's regions. Nairobi alone consumes more power than the six lowest-ranked regions combined. This gap points to the need for continued investment in infrastructure and economic development in regions outside of Nairobi.
In related news, EPRA has introduced new rules for households and businesses that export excess solar power to Kenya Power's grid without an approved net-metering agreement. Unauthorised connections can trigger a dumping surcharge, while sudden shifts in solar and wind generation can destabilise grid frequency and voltage. These regulations aim to ensure a stable and efficient energy supply.
The new regulations allow customers to legally export surplus electricity under the 2024 regulations, but only after signing a formal agreement with Kenya Power. This move is expected to promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce the strain on the grid. EPRA continues to play a crucial role in regulating Kenya's energy sector.
The report was published on October 6, 2026, at 7:41 AM by Japhet Ruto, a Business and Tech Editor at TUKO.co.ke with over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting. The article provides valuable insights into Kenya's energy landscape and regional electricity consumption patterns.
Key points
- Nairobi dominates Kenya's electricity consumption, accounting for nearly 44% of the country's total power usage.
- South Nyanza recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate in electricity consumption at 17.93%.
- EPRA introduced new rules for households and businesses exporting excess solar power to Kenya Power's grid.
