Kenya Engineer Magazine

25/05/2026

Kenya’s transition toward electric mobility is gaining significant momentum, with Kenya Power reporting KSh 382 million (approximately $2.94 million) in revenue from the e-mobility sector over the last 34 months. The growth highlights the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country and signals the emergence of a new revenue stream for the utility firm.

According to Kenya Power, electricity sales to the EV sector increased more than 113-fold between July 2023 and April 2026, rising from 13,500 kWh to over 1.5 million kWh. Monthly EV charging revenue also surged from about KSh 873,907 in July 2023 to a peak of KSh 35 million in February 2026. Nairobi remains the leading hub for EV adoption, contributing 71 percent of the cumulative revenue, although other regions such as the Coast, North Eastern, and Western Kenya are also recording steady growth.

The company attributes the growth to increasing EV adoption, supportive government policies, and tax incentives including VAT exemptions on electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. Kenya had registered more than 35,000 EVs by the end of 2025, up from fewer than 1,000 units three years earlier.

To support the expanding market, Kenya Power is investing in charging infrastructure and awareness campaigns, including new charging stations in Voi and Nyali as well as EV road parades connecting Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The utility is also expected to host the 4th Annual Kenya Power E-Mobility Stakeholders’ Conference and Expo in Nairobi in June 2026, bringing together key players in the regional electric mobility ecosystem.

19/05/2026

Can East Africa Build a Shared Oil Refining Hub? The Tanga Refinery Debate Explained...

The region could move away from fragmented national fuel systems and instead develop a shared refining hub anchored in a large-scale refinery at Tanga, Tanzania.

18/05/2026

Engineers Board to Introduce New Training Model in University Engineering Courses

The Engineers Board of Kenya is set to introduce a new training model aimed at strengthening the quality and relevance of engineering education in Kenyan universities. The proposed reforms are expected to align academic training with industry needs, emerging technologies, and global engineering standards.

Under the new framework, engineering students will undergo a more practical and competency-based learning approach, with increased emphasis on industrial attachment, mentorship, innovation, and hands-on technical experience. The model is also expected to enhance collaboration between universities, professional engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

The move comes amid growing concerns over the gap between classroom learning and real-world engineering practice. Industry stakeholders have consistently called for reforms that produce graduates who are better prepared for modern infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology-driven projects.

According to the Board, the new system will also strengthen professional ethics, improve graduate employability, and support Kenya’s long-term infrastructure and industrial development goals. Universities offering engineering programs may be required to review their curricula to meet the updated training standards and accreditation requirements.

The reforms are expected to play a major role in preparing the next generation of Kenyan engineers to compete effectively in both local and international markets while supporting the country’s expanding engineering and construction sector.

18/05/2026

Kenya’s electric mobility revolution did not happen by accident. It is the product of bold innovators, resilient entrepreneurs, and a generation of technical thinkers determined to reshape how Africa moves ...

Among the most influential voices in this is Warren Ondanje, the Co-founder and Managing Director of the Africa E-Mobility Alliance (AfEMA)

15/05/2026

From Engineering Academia to University Leadership

The University of Nairobi has appointed Prof. Ayub Gitau as its new Vice Chancellor, marking a significant leadership transition at the institution.
The appointment was announced by the University Council following a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Prof. Gitau becomes the 9th Vice Chancellor of the institution, taking over leadership at a time when the university is focusing on strengthening governance, academic excellence, and global competitiveness.

Prof. Gitau is a seasoned academic and engineer with extensive experience in university administration, research, and institutional leadership. His career at the University of Nairobi spans several years, during which he has served in multiple senior roles including dean, department chair, and acting deputy vice chancellor.

Prof. Gitau holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering and has built a strong reputation in academic leadership, engineering education, and research development. His appointment comes after a prolonged period of leadership transitions at the university, with stakeholders now expecting stability and renewed institutional focus.

In his new role, Prof. Gitau is expected to steer reforms in academic delivery, research innovation, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, aligning the University of Nairobi with global standards of higher education.

His appointment is widely viewed as a new chapter for the institution as it seeks to restore stability, strengthen research output, and enhance its position as a leading university in Africa.

14/05/2026

Microsoft’s Kenya AI Data Center Faces Major Power and Infrastructure Hurdles

Plans for a proposed US$1 billion artificial intelligence data center by Microsoft in Kenya have reportedly stalled amid concerns over the country’s electricity capacity and supporting infrastructure. The ambitious project, which could position Kenya as a regional AI and cloud computing hub, is facing significant disagreements between stakeholders over power requirements and long-term energy reliability.

According to government officials, the facility’s projected electricity demand is so massive that supplying it under the current grid conditions would be equivalent to “switching off half the country.” The statement highlights the enormous energy consumption associated with modern AI data centers, particularly those designed to support large-scale cloud computing, machine learning, and advanced data processing operations.

The project was expected to strengthen Kenya’s growing reputation as East Africa’s leading technology and digital innovation hub. However, concerns have emerged over whether the national grid can sustainably support such a high-demand facility without affecting industrial production, businesses, and residential consumers.

Beyond electricity supply, the project is also facing challenges related to transmission infrastructure, cooling systems, land readiness, and investment coordination. Industry experts note that hyperscale AI data centers require stable, uninterrupted power, high-speed connectivity, and advanced cooling technologies — areas where substantial upgrades may still be necessary in Kenya.

Despite the setback, the proposed investment has sparked wider discussions about Kenya’s future energy strategy and the need for accelerated investment in renewable power generation, grid modernization, and digital infrastructure. Analysts believe the situation could push the government and private sector to fast-track energy projects aimed at supporting future large-scale technology investments.

If eventually implemented, the facility would become one of the largest digital infrastructure investments in Africa and could significantly boost Kenya’s position in the global AI and cloud computing industry.

13/05/2026

EPRA Ends Kenya Power Monopoly

Kenya’s electricity sector is entering a new era after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) introduced new regulations allowing independent power producers to sell electricity directly to large consumers. The move effectively ends the long-standing monopoly previously held by Kenya Power in electricity distribution.

Under the new Energy (Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access) Regulations, power producers will now be able to supply electricity directly to industries, factories and large commercial users while using existing transmission and distribution networks at regulated wheeling charges.

The reforms are expected to increase competition in the energy market, improve efficiency and attract more private investment into Kenya’s power sector. Large consumers could benefit from more reliable supply options and potentially competitive pricing.

However, the changes also raise concerns over the financial stability of Kenya Power, which has traditionally relied heavily on industrial and commercial consumers for revenue. Analysts have warned that the transition must be carefully managed to avoid higher electricity costs for domestic consumers.

The reforms mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s energy liberalisation agenda and could reshape the country’s electricity market in the coming years.

13/05/2026

Vibrational exfoliation – a scalable, sustainable method for producing graphene
A novel method for producing conductors, semiconductors and electronic insulators uses vibrational energy to 'split' and 'peel off' molecular-thin layers of material.

Full article in the link below.

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique for creating 2D materials that runs at room temperature

13/05/2026

How Battery Energy Storage Systems Could Improve Energy Reliability and Support Kenya’s Continued Economic Growth....

Full article in the link below.

high energy costs and power outages slow vital Kenyan operations and limit output, having a negative effect on manufacturing and production.

13/05/2026

Africa’s cement industry and the push for energy security....
Full article in the link below.

Africa's cement industry is expanding quickly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure investment and rising demand for housing.