Kenya is advancing solar energy adoption significantly with over 210 megawatts of grid, connected solar power presently installed, which constitutes 6. 5 per cent of the total installed electricity capacity in the country.
Speaking during the official opening of Intersolar Africa Confress 2026, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira stated that Kenya is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition to clean sources arguing that the country must now increase investments in grid.
Despite decentralised renewable energy systems like mini, grids, solar home systems, and commercial and industrial installations being extendable and constantly growing, Wachira said, utility, scale solar development has been behind. Lack of long, term financing and non, participation of the private sector were the reasons he cited for this gap.
“Kenya has so much sun resource, but still, large, scale solar projects are very few. We need the private sector to be more involved and also we need new financing models to be able to unlock this potential, ” he remarked.
The PS said increased investment in solar electricity generation and battery energy storage is a must if the country is to improve grid reliability, cope with peak demand and generally support the development of the industrial sector.
According to Wachira, the government is doubling up on efforts to modernize transmission infrastructure and at the same time establishing policies and regulatory frameworks that would attract private capital into large, scale solar and battery storage projects. It is anticipated that such initiatives will lower the risk of investment and raise the bankability of developers.
Policymakers, investors, developers, and technology companies from Africa and beyond have gathered at Intersolar Africa 2026. The conference is being utilized as a platform to present innovations in solar power, energy storage, grid management, and e, mobility, besides building a dialogue on how to expedite Africa’s clean energy transition.
Kenya’s renewable energy mix is largely based on geothermal, hydro, and wind power. Officials are convinced that with the necessary investments and partnerships, solar energy might significantly contribute to the future energy needs and help the country achieve its climate and energy security objectives.