Energy ministry seeks Parliament’s hand in lifting PPA moratorium

Kenya is focusing on increasing electricity generation and enhancing transmission capacity to meet growing demand for electricity.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said the government has prepared a motion seeking to have parliament lift the moratorium on signing new power purchase agreements to boost electricity generation.

This comes as the country prepares for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations under the theme energy and transforming lives.

Wachira said demand for electricity has been steadily rising hitting a new peak demand of 2,362MW on July 25, this year.

Electricity demand has risen by 250MW over the last three years powered by expansion in industrial activity, increased urbanization, and rising household consumption.

To boost supply, plans are underway to onboard more geothermal power projects. Wachira says Parliament is likely to lift the moratorium on new power purchase agreements soon.

Kenya is also importing electricity from neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia that is supplying 200MW currently.