Kenya seeks to use open-source technology to improve energy access

Kenya is turning to open-source tools to improve how it plans and delivers energy to its people, especially in off-grid and rural areas.

During the Open Source in Energy Access Symposium in Nairobi, George Nyang’ayo, Assistant Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said the country is committed to smarter, more inclusive energy planning.

“The Energy Act of 2019 gave us a clear path to plan for both electricity and clean cooking,” said Nyang’ayo.

“Now we’re using tools like the Energy Access Explorer to make better decisions based on data.”

The Energy Access Explorer (EAE) is a free, open-source platform that combines more than 50 datasets to show where energy is needed most.

Since its launch in 2019, it has helped support Kenya’s national energy goals and build capacity among planners.

“Open-source platforms help us save money and work better with counties and partners,” Nyang’ayo added.

He explained that EAE has been used to create energy plans in Makueni, Narok, and Kitui counties.

It also supports projects that bring energy to farms, businesses, and households, including efforts to improve access to clean cooking.

“These tools are not just for experts; they’re helping local governments and communities make informed choices,” said Nyang’ayo.

The event showed how open-source technology is helping Kenya lead the way in sustainable and inclusive energy access.

Dr. Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Regional Director at World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa, noted the transformative power of energy in driving development.

WRI is a global research organisation focused on improving lives, protecting nature, and tackling climate change through evidence-based solutions.

“Energy is a catalyst, it powers healthcare, enables learning, drives productivity, and builds climate resilience,” she said during the symposium.

“Yet over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still live without electricity, and nearly 1 billion rely on harmful fuels for cooking. These are not just statistics; they represent families, communities, and futures being held back.”

Shirley stressed that closing the energy access gap is not only a moral responsibility but a development priority.

To achieve this, she called for a shift from isolated efforts toward systems-level, data-informed, and community-led solutions.

“Open-source tools are critical in this effort. Data is a powerful driver of change, and when shared openly, it can unlock smarter, more inclusive energy planning,” she said.

She added that the symposium aims to highlight the broader ecosystem of open tools, promote shared learning, and foster meaningful collaboration.

“Whether you're a technologist, policymaker, researcher, or practitioner, this space belongs to all of us,” she concluded.

“Let’s work together—with urgency and purpose, to accelerate energy access in ways that are effective, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of our communities.”