Kenya Power Imports From Ethiopia Rise Due To Higher Local Demand

Electricity imports from Ethiopia jumped by 43.66 gigawatt-hours in the year ended June 2026, driven by rising local demand in Kenya. Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows total imports from Addis Ababa reached 1,577.66 gigawatt-hours, cementing Ethiopia’s expanding role in supplying Kenya’s national power grid.

Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Figures Reveal Growth in Addis Ababa Supply

Data published by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) outlines a notable expansion in cross-border energy trade between Kenya and its northern neighbor. In the year ended June 2026, electricity imports from Ethiopia climbed to 1,577.66 gigawatt-hours (GWh). This marks an increase from the 1,534 GWh recorded during the previous year.

The two nations previously established a long-term framework when Kenya Power signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Ethiopia Electric Power in 2022.

Regional Suppliers Breakdown and Import Shares

Ethiopia currently dominates Kenya’s external power procurement. Figures from Epra show that energy from Addis Ababa accounts for 82.45 per cent of the country’s overall power imports during the review period.

Regional partners supply the remainder of Kenya’s imported electricity needs. Uganda contributed 322.06 GWh, representing 16.83 per cent of total imports, while Tanzania contributed a smaller share of 6.53 GWh.

Shifting Import Trends and Historical Context

The current reliance on higher import volumes contrasts with brief periods of surplus production inside Kenya. Historical data indicates that domestic power output previously hit record levels, allowing the country to temporarily cut demand from both Uganda and Ethiopia as generation peaked in late 2023.

Despite those past domestic production highs, persistent supply shortfalls and rising local consumption have forced a renewed reliance on neighboring grids. Parliament’s recent decision to lift a moratorium on new power purchase agreements has also opened discussions for additional capacity deals.