Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has been named among Africa's 25 most influential energy companies for 2026, with the state-owned power producer credited for building one of the continent's cleanest generation fleets.

The ranking, compiled by the executive publication Pan African Voice, places KenGen 20th on a list dominated by oil and gas giants, according to The Star and TV47. Algeria's Sonatrach, Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Libya's National Oil Corporation took the top three spots.

How the list was drawn

Pan African Voice said companies were assessed on five measures:

  • Scale of operations
  • Market position
  • Strategic importance
  • Momentum
  • Continental reach

KenGen, which supplies more than half of the electricity on Kenya's national grid, stood out because more than 90 per cent of its installed capacity comes from geothermal, hydro and wind sources. Its Olkaria geothermal complex in Naivasha is among the largest in the world and the backbone of Kenya's power supply.

Njenga credits staff and strategy

Managing director and chief executive Peter Njenga, who is due to retire and hand over to commercial director Ronoh Kibet, welcomed the recognition.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our people, the confidence of our stakeholders," he said, adding that the company's G2G 2034 corporate strategy is focused on expanding renewable generation and modernising its assets.

Njenga said Kenya's experience with geothermal shows that clean energy can strengthen energy security and support industry. KenGen has been offering drilling and technical services to other African countries developing their own geothermal resources, and is marketing the Olkaria Green Energy Park to investors who want factories powered by renewable electricity.

The company has set a goal of a 100 per cent renewable grid and full carbon neutrality by 2030.

Pressure to grow output

The accolade comes as Kenya's demand for power outpaces local generation. Business Daily reported this week that electricity imports, mainly from Ethiopia and Uganda, rose to 1.91 billion kilowatt-hours in the year to June 2026, lifting their share of the grid to about 12.2 per cent from 10 per cent. The Energy Ministry plans to drill 34 new geothermal wells to raise steam for an extra 421 megawatts by 2030.

KenGen will host the third Sustainable Energy Conference at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa from November 24 to 27, which organisers expect to draw more than 1,500 investors, policymakers and industry players.

Photos: Macabe5387 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); The Star (file). Logo: KenGen. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.