30/07/2026
Power & Energy Expo 2026: A Look at Kenya's Evolving Energy Landscape
Yesterday, I attended the Power & Energy Expo held at the Carnival Grounds, marking a notable change from its traditional venue at KICC. The new location, situated just behind Uhuru Gardens, offered a different setting for one of Kenya's key gatherings in the energy sector.
The expo brought together a diverse mix of industry players, including solar manufacturers, cable producers, electrical accessory suppliers, importers, distributors, and energy service providers. Entry was seamless—attendees simply presented a business card, making the registration process quick and business-focused.
Attendance was respectable, although it appeared lower than last year's event at KICC. Speaking with several attendees and exhibitors, a common view emerged that the Carnival Grounds may have been less convenient due to its location outside the city centre. However, there was another perspective worth considering: the venue may have filtered out casual visitors, resulting in a higher proportion of genuine buyers, installers, consultants, and decision-makers. From a business networking standpoint, that could be seen as a positive outcome.
As someone with a keen interest in the solar industry, I spent most of my time exploring the renewable energy exhibitors. One striking observation was the level of product standardisation across most stands. The majority showcased similar product portfolios, including:
* Solar PV modules
* Gel batteries
* Lithium battery storage systems and hybrid inverters
* Solar floodlights and streetlights
A few exhibitors differentiated themselves by displaying energy-efficient heat pump water heaters and solar water heating solutions, adding some diversity to the exhibition.
One of the more unexpected attractions was a full-body solar-powered massage chair. It certainly drew attention—although one enthusiastic visitor appeared to have claimed it for the better part of the day and looked completely immersed in the experience!
# # Did the Expo Deliver?
Going into the event, I was hoping to see groundbreaking technologies and gain insight into the latest innovations shaping the renewable energy sector.
While there were valuable conversations with industry experts and suppliers, there were few truly new technologies on display. The exhibition leaned more towards showcasing established, commercially available products than unveiling breakthrough innovations. Even so, the quality of the displays and the opportunity to interact directly with manufacturers and distributors made the visit worthwhile.
# # Areas for Improvement
No event is perfect, and there were a couple of areas that could enhance the visitor experience in future editions:
* Seating areas were limited, making it difficult for attendees to take a break after walking through the numerous exhibition stands.
* Refreshment facilities were minimal for most of the day. Although an eating area was set up around lunchtime, more food and beverage options throughout the event would have been appreciated.
# # Overall Verdict
From an organisational standpoint, the Power & Energy Expo was a success. The event was well coordinated, easy to access, and succeeded in bringing together key players from Kenya's growing energy sector. Although it lacked major technological surprises, it provided an excellent platform for networking, product demonstrations, and business discussions.
I'm curious to hear from others who attended.
If you were an exhibitor, did the event generate quality leads and meaningful business conversations?
If you attended as a visitor, what stood out to you, and do you think the move from KICC to the Carnival Grounds was the right decision?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
