The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) has convened its 2nd Grid and Innovation Conference 2025; a high-level forum aimed at driving innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in the energy sector.
The conference, held under the theme “Accelerating Innovation for Business Sustainability”, brought together more than 400 participants, including employees, energy sector leaders, researchers, and policymakers.
The event comes at a time when Kenya is scaling up electricity connectivity in pursuit of universal access by 2030. With rising demand for power driven by technologies such as e-cooking and electric mobility, participants underscored the need for bold ideas to guarantee reliable, affordable, and sustainable supply.
To further its commitment to mainstreaming innovation, KPLC unveiled its Innovation Ideas Portal, hosted at the Institute of Energy Studies and Research (ESR), a subsidiary of the company. The portal is designed to capture, track, and commercialise innovative concepts that can accelerate the growth of the energy sector across the region.
Speaking during the event, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, emphasised that innovation is central to building energy systems that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable.
“The innovation ideas hub will provide structured support to innovators, helping them match their solutions to Kenya’s energy challenges. I commend Kenya Power for organizing this conference, which provides a collaborative platform for academia, government, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and forge partnerships,” the CS said.
KPLC’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr Joseph Siror, noted that the company’s vision extends beyond electricity distribution.
“We aim to be the energy solutions provider of choice, delivering efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. For us, innovation is not an option, it is the foundation of growth, resilience, and our ability to power Kenya’s expanding economy,” Dr Siror stated.
In her remarks, KPLC Board of Directors Chairperson Joy Brenda Masinde described innovation as a catalyst for transforming energy access. She highlighted Kenya’s progress in renewable energy integration, smart grid technologies, and e-mobility, noting these achievements demonstrate the pivotal role of innovation in advancing the sector.
“Affordable, clean, and reliable energy solutions will be realized through deliberate and continuous innovation. Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy proves we are on the right path,” Masinde added.
This year’s conference sessions will delve into transformative approaches to knowledge management, tackling system losses, diversifying revenue streams, and positioning Kenya Power within the digital space.
Participants expressed optimism that through such forums, Kenya’s energy industry will continue to harness cutting-edge ideas to strengthen its role in powering development and meeting the needs of a growing population.
By Michael Omondi
