Kenya is accelerating solar energy deployment and energy storage integration as Intersolar Africa 2026 officially opened in Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, investors, developers, manufacturers, and clean energy leaders from across Africa and beyond.
In a speech read on his behalf, Energy, Principal Secretary, Alex Kamau, underscored Kenya’s central role in Africa’s renewable energy transition, noting that while the country enjoys abundant solar resources, grid-connected solar remains under-utilised.
“The global energy transition is no longer a future ambition – it is a current necessity. Kenya sits at the heart of Africa’s renewable energy story, yet solar remains significantly under-deployed at utility scale despite our exceptional solar resource.
“The next chapter for Kenya is about scale, integration, and resilience – accelerating grid-connected solar, investing in storage, modernising infrastructure, and crowding in private capital,” said Kamau
Kenya currently has approximately 210 MW of grid-connected solar, accounting for 6.5% of installed electricity capacity, while broader contributions from mini-grids, solar home systems, and commercial and industrial (C&I) installations exceed 200 MW.
More than 100,000 customers are connected through solar mini-grids, and over two million solar home systems are sold annually, positioning Kenya as one of Africa’s most dynamic decentralised solar markets.
Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), highlighted the growing importance of regulatory certainty and energy storage in supporting higher renewable penetration.
“As electricity demand continues to rise, Kenya must ensure that policies and regulations facilitate investment, efficiency, and innovation in the power sector. Energy storage systems are no longer optional. They are essential for balancing demand, strengthening grid reliability, and supporting the continued uptake of renewable energy across the country,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
He says Kenya is actively developing regulatory frameworks to support battery energy storage systems, alongside structured procurement mechanisms and grid modernisation initiatives to enhance transparency, competitiveness, and value for money.
Dr. Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director of Solar Promotion International GmbH, said Intersolar Africa was designed to respond directly to Africa’s accelerating solar and storage markets.
“Intersolar Africa connects global expertise with one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets. By expanding the event into a full exhibition and conference in Nairobi, we are creating a platform that enables partnerships, investment, and concrete project development across East Africa and beyond,” said Dr. Wessendorf.
Intersolar Africa 2026 features a high-level conference with over 50 speakers and an exhibition of approximately 100 companies showcasing technologies across photovoltaics, energy storage, grid management, and e-mobility.