(L-R) Sean Lixiang, Director Huawei digital Power Department, Eng. Maureen Mwaniki Director public Affairs Huawei Kenya, Alex Wachira, CBS Principal Secretary State Department of Energy, Eng Mary Njau representative from KPLC and Eng. Peter Njenga CEO of KenGen during the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya, August 11, 2026 — Kenya is strengthening its efforts to modernise the electricity sector and accelerate the transition to a smarter, more renewable-based energy system, as the government and Huawei explore technology-driven solutions to improve grid stability and reliability.
The State Department for Energy, under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, convened the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
The half-day forum brought together government officials, industry executives, technology leaders, development partners and research institutions to discuss ways of strengthening and modernising Kenya’s power system.
The discussions focused on emerging energy technologies and the challenges facing the sector, including grid-forming energy storage, smart grid systems and wireless network solutions. The programme also featured a Huawei keynote address, discussions on Kenya’s energy development trends and challenges, a Green Smart Energy Initiative ceremony and an open session on the next steps for the sector.
Strengthening the Power Grid
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira said Kenya had made significant progress in developing a cleaner and increasingly renewable-based electricity system.
He pointed to the country’s abundant geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar resources as a strong foundation for building a sustainable energy future.
However, Wachira noted that the growing integration of variable renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, requires the country to strengthen the flexibility, stability and resilience of its electricity grid.
“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,” Wachira said.
He identified smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage as key technologies that can help Kenya manage the changing energy landscape.
According to the PS, these technologies will be critical in strengthening grid stability, allowing the country to integrate higher levels of renewable energy, improving resilience and reducing technical and commercial losses.
Huawei Backs Technology-Driven Transition
Huawei Deputy CEO for Public Affairs in Kenya James Sun Quan said the company was committed to supporting Kenya’s energy transition through technology and partnerships.
“Huawei is proud to partner with the State Department for Energy on Kenya’s energy transition journey,” Sun said.
He said technologies such as grid-forming energy storage and smart grid solutions could help Kenya integrate more renewable energy while maintaining a stable and reliable electricity system.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership to deliver practical solutions for the country’s power sector,” he added.
The forum was attended by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Chairman Moses Mabonga, KenGen Chief Executive Officer Eng. Peter Njenga and a Huawei delegation led by Sun.
Focus on Practical Solutions
Wachira urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions on available technologies and focus on solutions that can be implemented and scaled across the country.
He said the sector must consider the investment required to deploy emerging technologies, as well as 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,” Wachira said.
“We have the renewable energy resources, a growing technology ecosystem and a strong foundation in our energy sector.”
He expressed optimism that discussions from the forum would translate into partnerships, investments and practical solutions capable of supporting Kenya’s long-term energy needs.
The forum comes as Kenya continues to expand renewable energy generation while seeking to build a more flexible, resilient and digitally enabled electricity system capable of responding to rising demand and the increasing contribution of variable renewable sources.
