By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
Electricity tokens in Kenya have become more expensive in 2025 and many households are feeling the strain. But how much power does the average Kenyan home really use per month? Forget global estimates. Kenya runs on tokens, LED bulbs, gas cooking, and smart budgeting. In this guide, we break down real-world electricity usage in Kenyan households, based on actual token receipts, daily consumption habits, and lifestyle patterns plus why costs have risen over 22% this year and how to calculate exactly how many units you get per shilling.
Units Conversion Table (Based on Real Token Data)
| Amount | Approx Units (2025) |
|---|---|
| KSh 50 | ~2 units |
| KSh 100 | ~3.8–4 units |
| KSh 200 | ~7.5 units |
| KSh 500 | ~18–19 units |
| KSh 750 | ~28–30 units |
| KSh 1000 | ~37–40 units |
| KSh 2000 | ~75–80 units |
How Much Power Does a Typical Kenyan Home Use?
For a modest household, think 1-bedroom house, two people, working adults, monthly electricity usage usually ranges between:
| Household Setup | Monthly kWh | Approx Bill (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single person bedsitter | 20–40 kWh | KSh 300 – 650 |
| Couple in 1-bedroom | 40–70 kWh | KSh 600 – 1,200 |
| Small family (2–3 bedrooms) | 80–120 kWh | KSh 1,500 – 3,000 |
Average Appliance Electricity Use in Kenya
| Appliance | Power | Hours/Month | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Bulb (4 bulbs) | 7W each | 120h | 3.36 kWh | ~60 |
| Wi-Fi Router | 10W | 720h | 7.2 kWh | ~120 |
| Laptop (2 units) | 60W | 150h each | 18 kWh | ~300 |
| Iron Box | 1000W | 4h | 4 kWh | ~70 |
| Occasional fryer | 1500W | 2h | 3 kWh | ~50 |
| Phone charging | tiny | — | <1 kWh | negligible |
Read Also: Why KPLC Tokens Are 22% More Expensive (Real Data From 2024–2025)
How many units does a normal house use per month in Kenya?
Most Kenyan apartments use 20–80 kWh/month, depending on appliances. A single person or couple in a one-bedroom can spend around KSh 600–2,000 on tokens.
How many units do you get for KSh 100 in 2025?
On average you get ~3.8–4 units for KSh 100, depending on taxes and monthly adjustments.
Why are electricity tokens reducing in Kenya?
Token units drop due to rising taxes/levies like fuel energy charge, foreign exchange adjustments, VAT, and inflation on power generation costs.
What appliances consume the most electricity in Kenyan homes?
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Electric cooker
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Water heater / boiler
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Iron box
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Fridge / deep freezer
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Washing machine
How can I reduce electricity usage at home?
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Use gas for cooking
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Install LED bulbs
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Turn off water heater
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Use energy-saving appliances
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Limit ironing to one batch per week
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Switch off router & electronics at night
Is Kenya doing load shedding?
Yes. In late 2025, Kenya began controlled evening load shedding during peak hours (5pm–10pm) due to demand outpacing supply.
What is the average token cost increase in 2025?
Electricity tokens have risen approximately 22% year-to-date, based on real token purchase data.
