The State Department for Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in partnership with Huawei Kenya today convened the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
The high-level gathering of government officials, industry executives, technology leaders, development partners and research institutions discussed strategies for strengthening and modernising the country’s power system.
The half-day Forum brought together participants for a programme that included a Huawei keynote address, sessions on Kenya’s energy development trends and challenges, grid-forming energy storage solutions, smart grid technology and wireless network solutions.
In addition, we forum touched on Green Smart Energy Initiative Ceremony and an open discussion on next steps for the sector.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira told delegates that Kenya has made significant strides in building clean and increasingly renewable-based electricity system pointing to the country’s abundant geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources as a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future.
He however noted that the increasing integration of variable renewable energy particularly wind and solar requires the country to strengthen the flexibility, stability and resilience of its electricity system.
“The energy transition is therefore not simply about adding more renewable generation. It is also about modernising the electricity grid and transforming the way we plan, operate and manage the power system,” said PS Wachira.
He identified smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage as important technologies for strengthening grid stability, integrating higher levels of renewable energy, improving resilience and reducing technical and commercial losses.
The Forum was attended by Moses Mabonga, Chairman of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Eng. Peter Njenga CEO of KenGen and a Huawei delegation led by James Sun Quan, Deputy CEO Public Affairs Huawei Kenya.
Speaking at the Forum James Sun Quan, Deputy CEO Public Affairs Huawei Kenya said “Huawei is proud to partner with the State Department for Energy on Kenya’s energy transition journey. Technologies such as grid-forming energy storage and smart grid solutions can help Kenya integrate more renewable energy while keeping the grid stable and reliable, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to deliver practical solutions for the country’s power sector.”
PS Wachira urged participants to focus on practical, implementable solutions; considering not only which technologies are available but how they can be deployed at scale.
He further urged the sector to be keen on the investment required and the policy and regulatory frameworks needed to unlock their full potential.
“Kenya has a unique opportunity to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition,” he said. “We have the renewable energy resources, a growing technology ecosystem and a strong foundation in our energy sector.”
He added that he looked forward to seeing the Forum’s discussions translated into partnerships, investments and practical solutions for Kenya’s energy future.
