Kenya, Huawei Strengthen Energy Partnership as Country Pushes for Smarter Renewable Power Systems

(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.

By: Gladys Karuga,

Kenya is looking to strengthen its electricity infrastructure and improve its capacity to accommodate growing renewable energy generation through increased adoption of smart technologies and energy storage solutions.

The government, through the State Department for Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, on Tuesday hosted the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

The forum brought together government representatives, energy sector executives, technology experts, development partners and research institutions to deliberate on ways of modernising Kenya's power system and supporting the country's transition to cleaner energy.

Among the key areas discussed were Kenya's energy development trends and challenges, grid-forming energy storage, smart grid technologies and wireless network solutions.

Participants also took part in the Green Smart Energy Initiative Ceremony, alongside an open discussion on the way forward for Kenya's energy sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said Kenya has continued to make important progress in developing a clean electricity system with an increasing contribution from renewable energy.

He said Kenya's considerable geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources provide the country with a strong base from which to build a sustainable energy future.

Despite this progress, Wachira said the increasing use of variable renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, means that the country must strengthen the ability of its electricity system to respond to changing generation patterns.

“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 said Kenya's transition will require the deployment of technologies capable of improving the stability, flexibility and resilience of the national electricity grid.

Among the technologies identified by the Principal Secretary were smart grids, advanced grid management systems, improved forecasting, digitalisation, demand-side flexibility, power electronics and energy storage.

According to Wachira, these technologies will be important in enabling the country to accommodate greater levels of renewable energy while also improving grid resilience and helping reduce technical and commercial losses.

The event brought together senior figures in the energy sector, including EPRA Chairman Hon. Moses Mabonga, KenGen CEO Eng. Peter Njenga, and Huawei Kenya representatives led by James Sun Quan, Deputy CEO Public Affairs, Huawei Kenya.

Sun said Huawei is committed to working with the State Department for Energy as Kenya advances its energy transition agenda.

“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."

The discussions highlighted the growing importance of technology in managing a power system with an increasing share of renewable energy.

While Kenya has substantial renewable energy resources, the increased use of wind and solar generation also creates a need for systems that can help maintain reliability when electricity production from these sources changes.

Energy storage was therefore among the key areas of focus during the forum, with grid-forming technologies identified as part of the solutions that can support grid stability and facilitate the integration of additional renewable energy.

Smart grid technologies and digitalisation were also discussed as tools that can improve the monitoring and management of the electricity network.

Wachira called on stakeholders to concentrate on solutions that can move from discussion to implementation and eventually be deployed on a larger scale.

He said stakeholders should consider not only the technologies available but also the level of investment required and the policy and regulatory environment needed to support their adoption.

The Principal Secretary said Kenya is well placed to take a leading role in Africa's transition towards cleaner and smarter energy systems.

“Kenya has a unique opportunity to position itself at the forefront of Africa's energy transition,” he said.

He pointed to the country's renewable energy resources, expanding technology ecosystem and established energy sector as important advantages that can help accelerate the transition.

Wachira said he expected the discussions at the forum to result in practical outcomes, including partnerships, investments and solutions that can contribute to the country's long-term energy objectives.

The Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 ultimately provided a platform for government and private-sector stakeholders to explore how technology, investment and policy can work together to modernise Kenya's power system.

As Kenya continues expanding its renewable energy capacity, the discussions underscored the need to simultaneously strengthen the grid and introduce technologies that can ensure electricity remains stable, reliable and resilient.