The Nairobi region has emerged as a significant driver of Kenya Power's electricity sales, accounting for 45 percent of the extra 1.114 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity sold in the year to June 2026. This represents a substantial 501.02 million kWh, far surpassing the second-placed North Eastern region, which consumed 180 million kWh or 16 percent of the additional electricity.
The high concentration of industries, big businesses, and middle-income households in Nairobi and its surrounding counties is attributed to the region's heavy electricity usage. Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado are home to some of the country's largest industries and a significant number of households with high spending power, leading to increased usage of the national grid.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), the region comprising Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties has a high population and industrial activity, significantly contributing to its electricity demand. The widespread use of electric appliances such as cookers, refrigerators, and washing machines in middle-class homes is also driving up electricity consumption in these areas.
The Nairobi region is home to the largest number of Kenya Power customers, with 3.02 million clients as of June 2025, ahead of the North Eastern region's 1.03 million customers. This significant customer base, combined with high electricity usage, has helped push Kenya Power's overall electricity sales to 12.78 billion kWh in the year ended June 2026, up from 11.4 billion kWh the previous year.
The surge in electricity sales in Nairobi and other regions has led to increased revenues for Kenya Power, rising to Sh238.24 billion from Sh219.28 billion in the same period. The utility added 411,710 customers in the year ended June 2026, and further market growth details will be revealed in its annual report.
Other regions' shares of the additional electricity sold by Kenya Power in the year to June 2026 include Central Rift with 131.54 million kWh or 11.8 percent, Coastal region with 6.9 percent, Mount Kenya with 5.9 percent, and North Rift with 5.3 percent. South Nyanza had the lowest share at 3.5 percent.
Epra data shows that Nairobi consumes at least 43 percent of the national grid's supplies annually, followed by the Coast region at 17.7 percent, North Eastern at 11.3 percent, and Central Rift at 9.4 percent. Kenya Power now faces pressure to meet soaring consumption, with local electricity generation growing at a slower rate, forcing the utility to rely on Ethiopia and Uganda to supplement supplies.
Key points
- Nairobi region accounts for 45% of Kenya Power's extra 1.114 billion kWh electricity sold
- High concentration of industries and middle-income households drives Nairobi's heavy electricity usage
- Kenya Power faces pressure to meet soaring consumption amid slower local electricity generation growth
