Ethiopia has supplied over 1,200 GWh of electricity to neighboring Kenya during the first six months of this year, becoming the primary source of power to the East African country, an official from the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) confirmed to APA on Wednesday.
According to the official, Ethiopia supplied 1,274.42 GWh of electricity during the period, far outpacing contributions from Uganda at 225.64 GWh and Tanzania at 33.79 GWh.
Kenya’s Capital FM reported that overall, Kenya’s electricity imports jumped 27.8 percent compared to the previous year, driven mainly by the Ethiopia–Kenya power import program.
Citing the country’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the report said Ethiopian imports are more cost-effective than domestic thermal generation, saving Kenya an estimated $10 million annually.
By mid-2025, Kenya’s electricity imports had already reached 751.95 GWh—almost double the 419.13 GWh recorded during the same period in 2024.
Monthly inflows peaked at 146.02 GWh in January 2025 and reached a low of 106.01 GWh in July 2024, reflecting seasonal demand fluctuations.
Negotiations are currently underway to expand capacity by an additional 50–100 MW to meet rising domestic demand and further reduce the risk of rationing.
The 500 kV Sodo–Moyale–Suswa interconnector, which enables power transfer between Ethiopia and Kenya, is considered a cornerstone of regional energy integration.
MG/abj/APA