The Director General (DG) of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and Chairman of the Independent Regulatory Board of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, has highlighted the benefits of regional electricity integration.
He says the move will improve stability and affordability across Eastern Africa.
Bargoria noted that the region has already seen strong cross-border trade in agricultural products, livestock, manufactured goods, mining, natural resources, and energy products.
Specifically, in the energy and petroleum sector, countries have engaged in trade of refined petroleum products, shared infrastructure for transmission and distribution, and collaboration on energy security and standards.
“This year, the region expects energy trade to reach a new milestone with the launch of an electricity market by the EAPP,” he said.
The DG explained that the regional power market will allow seamless trade of electricity through an interconnected grid, linking national systems to enable countries with surplus generation to export power to neighbours facing shortfalls or high production costs.
“This integration will enhance energy security, improve grid stability, and encourage efficient use of our diverse energy resources,” Bargoria emphasised.
He added that a functional electricity market also enables long-term planning, allowing governments to invest strategically in generation and transmission infrastructure while benefiting from a larger, interconnected system.
Established in 2005, the EAPP has made significant progress towards operationalizing the power market, including developing cross-border transmission infrastructure.
This has enabled countries to exchange electricity efficiently. For example, Kenya imports 200 MW of electricity from Ethiopia and maintains energy exchange contracts with Uganda and Tanzania.
In 2025, Tanzania began importing power from Ethiopia via the Ethiopia-Kenya-Tanzania interconnector, marking a significant milestone in regional energy trade.
Bargoria also highlighted the Independent Regulatory Board’s role in harmonising regulatory frameworks, ensuring predictable, efficient, and fair conditions for all participating countries.
The frameworks reduce administrative barriers and establish uniform standards on grid codes, tariffs, market operations, safety, and dispute resolution.
He stressed that pooling national strengths in hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar power allows countries to lower costs, improve reliability, and reduce system-wide risks that no single market could manage alone.
“Regional electricity integration is a powerful development tool, turning national assets into shared resilience, accelerating energy access, and delivering affordable, reliable power for long-term growth,” Bargoria said.
By Michael Omondi
