Tunataka Power: Kenya's Energy Reforms Spark Growth

Tunataka Power: Kenya's Energy Reforms Spark Growth

For years, the phrase 'Tunataka Power' (We Want Power) resonated across Kenya as a plea for consistent and accessible electricity. Today, this demand is transforming into a tangible reality, driven by the ambitious 'Ruto's energy reforms'. Kenya's commitment to expanding its power sector is not just about lighting homes; it's about igniting economic growth and opportunity nationwide.

Connecting Communities to the Grid

The drive for universal access to electricity is yielding significant results. In just three years, over 1.1 million new households have been connected, with a substantial 360,909 benefiting from the Last Mile Connectivity program. This expansion means more than 10.2 million homes now have power, with an impressive 1.6 million connections achieved last year alone. Such widespread grid expansion is fundamentally reshaping rural communities, empowering businesses, schools, and health facilities to operate more effectively.

Boosting Generation and Transmission Capacity

Kenya is aggressively diversifying its energy mix and upgrading vital infrastructure. Efforts include a major rehabilitation at Olkaria, significantly increasing geothermal generation capacity from 45MW to 63.3MW. Furthermore, KenGen is developing a 42.5 MW solar photovoltaic plant, enhancing resilience in electricity supply. Kenya’s geothermal expertise is even recognized internationally, with KenGen supporting projects across Africa and Asia.

Alongside generation, transmission infrastructure is undergoing a massive upgrade. Modern lines, including the 68 km Turkwel–Ortum 220 kV line, are now connecting previously isolated regions. These strategic investments are reducing power losses, stabilizing supply, and ensuring that electricity generated in one part of the country efficiently reaches homes and industries everywhere.

Kenya Power's Remarkable Turnaround

A critical component of the 'Ruto's energy reforms' has been the financial resurgence of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The utility dramatically shifted from a KSh 4.43 billion loss in 2023 to an impressive KSh 35 billion profit in 2025. This significant turnaround, coupled with 32,152 GWh in electricity sales over three years, has strengthened KPLC, making it a more reliable and efficient deliverer of energy to the nation. This positive trajectory ensures that the vision of universal power access by 2030 remains firmly on track.