Kenya’s power grid is under mounting pressure as the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, pushing electricity demand from charging up by 300 percent in just two years, according to industry estimates. 

The surge highlights both opportunities and challenges for Kenya’s clean energy transition, especially as the country imports more electricity to stabilize supply.

Power Consumption Soars with EV Uptake

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reports that Kenya’s electricity imports jumped 27.8 percent in the year to June 2025, largely due to inflows from Ethiopia under the Ethiopia–Kenya power import program. While these imports are aimed at boosting grid reliability, they also point to the rising demand driven by new electricity consumers, including EV owners.

Data from local EV associations show that Kenya’s EV fleet covering electric motorcycles, buses, and private cars has grown significantly since 2022, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa. Public transport players such as BasiGo and Roam have deployed electric buses and motorcycles, creating additional electricity load.

Why EVs Are Driving Up Demand

Electric vehicles consume far more electricity than typical household appliances. For instance:

• A single electric bus can consume up to 200 kWh per day, the same as 20 rural households.
• A motorbike taxi (boda boda) running on electricity consumes around 6 kWh daily, equivalent to a household refrigerator running nonstop.
• An EV car averages 15–20 kWh per 100 kilometers, depending on road conditions and driving habits.

With Kenya’s EV numbers rising into the tens of thousands, the cumulative effect is a sharp spike in daily electricity demand.

Kenya’s Energy Balance: Imports Cushion Demand

Kenya generates more than 80 percent of its electricity from renewables mainly geothermal, hydro, and wind. However, demand has occasionally outstripped supply, especially during dry seasons when hydro output falls.

The 27.8 percent surge in imports from Ethiopia has helped Kenya maintain stable supply amid the EV-driven demand spike. The Ethiopia–Kenya power import program provides Kenya with up to 200 MW of additional clean energy, supporting grid stability.

Energy analysts warn that while imports are a short-term solution, Kenya must scale up domestic generation capacity to sustainably power its transport electrification.

Opportunities for Kenya

The EV surge is not only straining the grid but also creating opportunities:

1. Utility growth: Kenya Power has reported growing revenue from EV charging stations and expects transport electrification to be a major demand driver.
2. Private investment: Companies are setting up fast-charging hubs in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
3. Cleaner cities: Replacing diesel buses and petrol motorbikes with EVs will reduce emissions and air pollution in urban areas.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the positive outlook, several challenges remain:

• Grid capacity: Rural electrification programs already stretch the grid, and EV uptake could worsen blackouts if not managed properly.
• Charging infrastructure: Kenya has fewer than 200 public charging points, mostly in Nairobi. Expansion will require large capital investments.
• Tariffs: Electricity costs remain high, and unless EV charging tariffs are competitive, adoption could slow.

Policy Shifts Needed

To manage the 300 percent increase in EV electricity consumption, experts recommend:

• Expanding geothermal and solar generation to meet transport needs.
• Introducing time-of-use tariffs so EV owners charge at night when demand is low.
• Incentivizing private charging infrastructure investment through tax breaks.
• Strengthening cross-border power trade with Ethiopia and Uganda to cushion demand shocks.

Also read: How Geothermal Energy in Kenya is Powering Africa’s Clean Energy Future

FAQs

1. What is the average power consumption of an EV?
   Most EVs consume between 15–20 kWh per 100 km, depending on the model and driving conditions.
2. How far can an EV go on 1 kWh?
   On average, an EV can travel 5–7 km per kWh of electricity.
3. Is 3.8 miles per kWh good?
   Yes, 3.8 miles (around 6 km) per kWh is considered efficient for most EVs.
4. Is 20 kWh per 100 km good?
   Yes. Many EVs average 18–22 kWh per 100 km, making 20 kWh a normal benchmark.