A official document cover of Kenya’s Energy Regulations 2026 on open access and bulk supply
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EMS Law LLP
Large electricity consumers in Kenya can now bypass Kenya Power to buy power directly from independent producers.
Large power consumers across Kenya can now purchase electricity directly from independent power producers following the gazettement of new regulations.
The Energy (Electricity Market, Bulk Supply and Open Access) Regulations, 2026, published as Legal Notice 79 of 2026, officially came into effect on May 8, 2026.
The new statutory framework establishes rules governing open access, bulk power supply, and regional energy trading within the national grid. Under these provisions, eligible commercial and industrial customers are permitted to contract directly with power generators rather than relying exclusively on Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC).
The regulations define open access as the non-discriminatory use of transmission and distribution networks by authorized licensees and consumers.
According to the gazetted text, the system enables licensed electricity generators, importers, and exporters to offer electrical energy to retail licensees or large-scale consumers through national power lines.
The framework also incorporates operational guidelines for network service providers, energy accounting, and firm capacity requirements.
In addition, the legislation caters to cross-border power trading under the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), creating a legal foundation for regional electricity exchange.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) oversees the implementation of the grid code and transaction rules governing the system operator, transmission licensees, and distribution entities.
Commercial entities seeking direct power purchase agreements are required to comply with technical standards published by the regulatory authority.
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