Africa: Kenya Urges More Solar and Battery Storage At Intersolar Africa 2026

3 February 2026
Capital FM (Nairobi)

Nairobi — Kenya has renewed its call for faster deployment of solar energy and battery storage as Intersolar Africa 2026 officially opened at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, bringing together policymakers, investors and clean energy players from across Africa and beyond.

In a speech read on his behalf, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Kamau said Kenya remains a key player in Africa's renewable energy transition but noted that grid-connected solar power is still underdeveloped despite the country's strong solar potential.

"The global energy transition is no longer a future ambition; it is a current necessity," said Kamau. "Kenya sits at the heart of Africa's renewable energy story, yet solar remains under-deployed at utility scale. The next phase must focus on scale, integration and resilience."

Kenya currently has about 210 megawatts of grid-connected solar, representing 6.5 percent of installed electricity capacity. Additional capacity from mini-grids, solar home systems and commercial and industrial installations exceeds 200 megawatts.

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The country has connected more than 100,000 customers through solar mini-grids, while over two million solar home systems are sold annually, making Kenya one of Africa's leading decentralised solar markets.

Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria said regulatory certainty and energy storage are critical as electricity demand rises and renewable energy penetration increases.

"Energy storage systems are no longer optional," Kiptoo said in a speech. "They are essential for balancing demand, improving grid reliability and supporting continued renewable energy growth."

He added that Kenya is developing regulatory frameworks for battery energy storage systems, alongside structured procurement and grid modernisation initiatives to improve transparency and value for money.

Dr. Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director of Solar Promotion International GmbH, said Intersolar Africa was created to support Africa's fast-growing solar and storage markets.

"Intersolar Africa connects global expertise with one of the world's fastest-growing clean energy markets," he said, noting that the Nairobi event is designed to drive partnerships, investment and project development across East Africa.

Intersolar Africa 2026 features a conference with more than 50 speakers and an exhibition hosting about 100 companies showcasing solar, energy storage, grid management and e-mobility technologies.

The conference and exhibition continue on February 4, 2026, focusing on policy, financing, commercial and industrial solar, energy storage, mini-grids and emerging business models shaping Africa's energy transition.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

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