Kenya, Huawei deepen partnership to accelerate smart and renewable energy transition
(L)Sean Lixiang, Director Huawei digital Power Department, (2nd L) Eng. Maureen Mwaniki Director public Affairs Huawei Kenya, (C) Alex Wachira, CBS Principal Secretary State Department of Energy, Eng Mary Njau representative from KPLC and (R) Eng. Peter Njenga CEO of KenGen during the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Kenya is seeking to modernise its electricity grid and strengthen its capacity to integrate more renewable energy as the country moves towards a smarter and more resilient power system.
The State Department for Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, brought together government officials, industry executives, technology leaders, development partners and researchers.
The forum focused on strategies to modernise Kenya’s power system amid growing adoption of variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Kenya turns to smart technology to strengthen renewable energy integration
Representing the Ministry, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said Kenya had made significant progress in developing a clean and increasingly renewable-based electricity system, supported by its abundant geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.
He, however, noted that the growing integration of wind and solar power requires greater flexibility, stability and resilience across the 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 Wachira.
He identified smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage as key technologies that could help Kenya improve grid stability and resilience while reducing technical and commercial losses.
The half-day forum featured discussions on Kenya’s energy development trends and challenges, grid-forming energy storage solutions, smart grid technologies and wireless network solutions.
Huawei also delivered a keynote address highlighting the role of digital technologies in supporting the country’s energy transition.
Huawei pledges continued support for Kenya’s energy transition
Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO for Public Affairs James Sun Quan said the company was committed to supporting Kenya’s efforts to integrate more renewable energy while maintaining a stable and reliable electricity network.
“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,” said Sun.
The forum was attended by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Chairman Moses Mabonga, KenGen CEO Peter Njenga and other sector stakeholders.
The discussions also included the Green Smart Energy Initiative ceremony and an open session on the next steps for Kenya’s energy sector.
Wachira urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on practical solutions that can be deployed at scale.
He said the country must also consider the investment required, as well as policy and regulatory frameworks needed to unlock the potential of emerging energy technologies.
“Kenya has a unique opportunity to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition. We have the renewable energy resources, a growing technology ecosystem and a strong foundation in our energy sector,” he said.
The PS said he expected the forum’s discussions to translate into partnerships, investments and practical solutions that would shape Kenya’s energy future.
