Microgrid firm Powerhive becomes Kenya’s first private utility

May 8, 2015
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email

A Powerhive microgrid combining solar and storage. Image credit: Powerhive.
Microgrid developer Powerhive has become the first private utility in Kenya after being granted a licence to sell electricity to the public.

The company’s East Africa subsidiary has been running pilot schemes in four villages over the course of the last two years.

The concession will be used to expand Powergrid’s presence to Kisii and Nyamira counties in western Kenya to provide power to those living beyond the reach of the national grid.

“The Powerhive permit was granted in recognition of the fact that grid expansion is not always the most economical choice to expand energy access; off-grid alternatives have a role to play,” wrote Dr. Frederick Nyang, director of economic regulation for the Kenya Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) wrote in a letter to mark the decision. “[Powerhive has demonstrated] that its microgrids are capable of operating in compliance with the prescribed standards for residential and commercial electricity service provision,” he added.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“The government of Kenya recognises that the fastest and least expensive approach to reach 100% electricity access is to allow private investment in distributed generation infrastructure,” said Zachary Ayieko, managing director, Powerhive East Africa. “Other national governments aggressively pursuing rural electrification targets can also benefit greatly by using Powerhive’s energy access solution,” he claimed.

According to the data from the World Bank only 23% of Kenya has access to electricity putting it behind Sudan and North Korea.

Read Next

Sponsored
October 15, 2025
At RE+ 2025, the Chinese energy solution provider discusses modular design innovations, efficiency gains, and navigating an uncertain policy landscape.
October 10, 2025
Honeywell, LS Electric, esVolta, Sitetracker, PairedPower, PHNXX, and Energy Toolbase are collaborating on new initiatives to advance energy storage installations across the US.
September 29, 2025
Energy-Storage.news proudly presents our sponsored webinar with Honeywell, on adapting to the grid with flexible and resilient commercial and industrial (C&)) energy storage technologies.
September 25, 2025
Microsoft, Sunrock, Zurich, and AlphaStruxure are among 20 participants joining Schneider Electric to deploy community-based energy systems across the US, supporting public and private sector organisations with “innovative solutions” and financing.
September 2, 2025
Energy-Storage.news speaks with Karina Hershberg, Associate Principal at engineering firm PAE Engineers, on integrating microgrids with sustainable building design.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter