Electricity costs are undeniably a factor that affects the lives of people be it at an industrial or household level. Within the country, there has been a wide-ranging discussion on the electricity sector as to how to reduce the cost of power. With the just concluded elections and a new incoming government, there will be a lot at stake for the electricity sector. ESAK as a key player in this sector will be a key participant in this sector in line with its mission of encouraging sustainable development of the Kenyan electricity sector through collaboration, advocacy and data driven solutions. As we await the next government, here are some key projections and priority areas that the government should focus on in the incoming regime.
Maintaining a balanced energy mix in the grid is paramount to ensuring reliable power to the people. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a key factor in clean transition in the country with Kenya determined to achieve full transition to clean energy by 2030 and 100 percent access to clean cooking by 2028. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 73 percent of installed generation capacity with 90 percent of the electricity in use derived from clean sources. Increased investment in the renewable while having a balanced power mix balance will enable the country progress forward in electrification rates. According to the World Bank Global Electrification Database, Kenya’s electrification rate stands at 71.4 percent as at 2020. With the new administration, we are hoping for 100% electrification across all homes. This may seem like an uphill task but with adequate investment in the sector this is a milestone that can be achieved.
The issue of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) has remained a topical conversation in the sector between government and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The IPPs’ came to the country at a time when the country was faced with power rationing. They account for 38 percent of Kenya’s installed capacity on the grid.In efforts to cut on cost of power, the government opened up conversation around renegotiation of the contracts signed with the IPPs. With these discussions set to roll over onto the next government, there is room to re-look at the sector as a whole and not just the PPA’s.The symbiotic nature of the players in the energy sector ensures a seamless working but on the flipside, if one part is not functioning well, the whole sector is affected. It’s important to note that access to electricity enables us to have access to a multitude of services such as lighting, cooking, charging our devices and access to information among other services.
The energy sector in Kenya is comprised of various stakeholders at the regulatory level, including the Ministry of Energy, Kenya Power, Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA), KenGen and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). Increased collaboration between ESAK and these bodies will be instrumental in spearheading reforms in the electricity space and ultimately address the needs of the common mwananchi. These bodies have a symbiotic relationship and synergy between them in the next dispensation will be beneficial to the electricity space in Kenya.
Other frontiers to be explored with more focus include regional power trade in the East African region and beyond. Full operation of the Eastern Africa Power Pool will not only benefit the member states but it will also build towardsthe incorporation into other African power pools.Kenya is already trading power with Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania. With such existing trade data, the new administration can check to see how best to expand, renegotiate and improve the regional power trade to Kenya’s advantage.This will also be an opportunity to scale up power plants in the region. With the necessary regulation, trade agreements between member countries can lead to growth in the electricity sector.
Green hydrogen is another area that the incoming government should focus on. It has the capacity to expand the use of e-fuels, which are fuels produced with electricity from renewable sources or decarbonizes electricity. In its 2020 Guide to Policymaking on Green Hydrogen, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights that the production of green hydrogen requires a dedicated transport infrastructure, capitaland a reliable market, among other factors. With the political and economic goodwill, this can be achieved and has the potential to be monetized via exports to other markets.
It’s clear that there are a lot of projections thatESAK as a body is keen to achieve with the new government. Undoubtedly there may be headwinds in the process of achieving these objectives but as a body we are more than willing to provide solutions and be open to these conversations as we play our role in transforming the electricity sector in Kenya.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
