Kenya and the European Union are working together to accelerate the transition to green energy. Through Global Gateway and the international pledging campaign ‘Scaling up Renewables in Africa’, the European Union is leading efforts to rapidly expand renewable energy across the continent, aiming to triple clean energy capacity by 2030. In Kenya this means investing in hydroelectric dams, electrification and transmission lines to provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity. These efforts create a positive impact on people’s lives, today and tomorrow.

I’m Catheline, one of the few women riding boda bodas in Kenya, and I’ve been doing this for over ten years. These days, I use an electric one to run my delivery business. From school drop-offs to shopping runs and courier jobs, every ride helps someone and supports my family too. 

That’s why I’m grateful for clean energy. As power becomes more reliable, so does my work.

With stable, sustainable energy, I can keep my e-bike moving, plan my routes, and grow my business with confidence. And as I build a future on two wheels, I’m not just making deliveries, I’m driving real change for myself, my clients, and my community.

I’m Austin, and I’ve been designing clothes since I was a kid in Nairobi. Today, I run Bolo Bespoke, my own fashion house, where I create tailored suits for clients who want to feel sharp, confident, and seen.

That’s why I’m grateful for clean energy. As power becomes more reliable, so does my craft.

With clean, stable energy, I can keep my machines running, my lights on, and my creativity flowing without pause. And as I continue building my brand, I’m not just tailoring suits — I’m shaping a future where local talent and clean power work hand in hand to move our industry forward.

Thanks to EU support through Global Gateway, early-stage clean energy companies in Kenya are reaching remote communities with off-grid systems, such as solar-powered kits, mini-grids and  small hydropower projects. The Kenya Country Window under ElectriFI has already helped providing clean energy to families, schools and small businesses. The programme unlocks private investment to scale up innovation and deliver modern, affordable power where it's needed most.

With EU backing under Global Gateway, Kenya is strengthening its national grid to better integrate renewable energy, reduce losses, blackouts and improve service for users across the country. The Reinforcement of the Electricity Transmission Network (RETNet) project includes a new national control centre, substations and capacity building for Kenya’s transmission operator. This will boost service for over users nationwide, enabling a more stable and efficient grid that carries more clean energy and reduces emissions.

Through EU support under Global Gateway, Kenya is improving access to cleaner and more reliable electricity. The Green Resilient Electricity System (GRES) programme supports resilient energy infrastructure development, including hydropower and geothermal power, grid expansion and modernization. Millions of people are expected to benefit through fewer power cuts, cleaner energy alternatives, and improved access to electricity for homes, businesses and public services.

Kenya is significantly expanding electricity access through the Last Mile Connectivity Project. This initiative is a crucial step towards Kenya's ambitious goal of universal energy access. By rehabilitating and installing new distribution transformers and connecting nearby homes, around 280,000 households – benefiting 1.5 million people – will gain access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable electricity in rural areas across 32 counties. This project will reduce reliance on biomass and kerosene, cutting CO2 emissions and health hazards, while raising education and living standards, fostering gender equality, empowering women, and creating new job opportunities within these communities.