This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns |
|---|---|
| Target |
Target 12.a: Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production |
| Indicator |
Indicator 12.a.1: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita) |
| Metadata update |
2024 |
| Related indicators |
This indicator is also used as indicator 7.b.1 |
| Data reporter |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager, Industrial Statistics |
| Contact organisation unit |
Industrial Statistics |
| Contact person function |
Production and dissemination of Industrial Statistics |
| Contact phone |
+254-202-911-000 |
| Contact mail |
30266-00100, Nairobi- Kenya |
| Contact email |
dps@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition and concepts |
Definitions: The indicator is defined as the installed capacity of power plants that generate electricity from renewable energy sources divided by the total population of a country. Capacity is defined as the net maximum electrical capacity installed at the year-end and renewable energy sources are as defined in the IRENA Statute. Concepts: Electricity capacity is defined in the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics or IRES (UN, 2018) as the maximum active power that can be supplied continuously (i.e., throughout a prolonged period in a day with the whole plant running) at the point of outlet (i.e., after taking the power supplies for the station auxiliaries and allowing for the losses in those transformers considered integral to the station). This assumes no restriction of interconnection to the network. It does not include overload capacity that can only be sustained for a short period of time (e.g., internal combustion engines momentarily running above their rated capacity). The IRENA Statute defines renewable energy to include energy from the following sources: hydropower; marine energy (ocean, tidal and wave energy); wind energy; solar energy (photovoltaic and thermal energy); bioenergy; and geothermal energy. |
| Unit of measure |
watts per capita |
| Classifications |
Electricity capacity classifications follow the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics or IRES |
| Data sources |
KNBS (Economic Survey), administrative data from Kenya Power and Lighting Company and Kenya Electricity Generation Company |
| Data collection method |
Administrative data |
| Data collection calendar |
Quarterly |
| Data release calendar |
By end of the succeeding Quarter (next Quarter) |
| Data providers |
Kenya Power and Lighting Company and Kenya Electricity Generation Company) |
| Data compilers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Institutional mandate |
According to the Statistics Act of 2006, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is mandated to collect, compile, analyze, publish and disseminate official statistics for public use |
| Rationale |
The infrastructure and technologies required to supply modern and sustainable energy services cover a wide range of equipment and devices that are used across numerous economic sectors. There is no readily available mechanism to collect, aggregate and measure the contribution of this disparate group of products to the delivery of modern and sustainable energy services. However, one major part of the energy supply chain that can be readily measured is the infrastructure used to produce electricity.
Renewables are considered a sustainable form of energy supply, as their current use does not usually deplete their availability to be used in the future. The focus of this indicator on electricity reflects the emphasis of the target on modern sources of energy and is particularly relevant for developing countries where the demand for electricity is often high and its availability is constrained. Furthermore, the focus on renewables reflects the fact that the technologies used to produce renewable electricity are generally modern and more sustainable than non-renewables, particularly in the fastest growing sub-sectors of electricity generation from wind and solar energy. |
| Comment and limitations |
As per the national policies, plans and targets, increasing the production of electricity and, in particular, renewable electricity, is seen as a first priority in their transition to the delivery of more modern and sustainable energy services. Thus, this indicator is a useful first-step towards measuring overall progress on this target that reflects country priorities and can be used until other additional or better indicators can be developed. However, this indicator on electricity capacity does not capture any trends in the modernisation of technologies used to produce heat or provide energy for transport. |
| Method of computation |
For each period under consideration, the renewable electricity generating capacity at the end of the period is divided by the estimated total population of the country in that particular period |
| Validation |
Simple completeness and consistency checks are conducted, in consultation with data providers (Kenya Power and KenGen) through quarterly forums such as Quarterly Trade Meetings, email and telephone engagements |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
The Bureau uses recommended international standards and compilation guides when coming up with the reports. These include but not limited to: Methodological Guidelines, specifically, on how to measure renewable energy and collect renewable energy data; Guidelines for the collection of electricity capacity data-by the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (IRENA). More support through programmes on regional renewable energy statistics training workshops |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination |
| Quality assessment |
The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control are subjected to a set criteria and standards to ensure conformity |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data on Indicator 12.a.1: Installed renewable energy-generating capacity, is available at National Level, published in the Annual Economic Survey (Chapter 9: Energy); Figures are disaggregated by technology (solar, hydro, wind, etc.) |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
None |
| References and Documentation |
https://www.knbs.or.ke/publications https://population.un.org/wpp/Methodology/ UN, 2018. International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (IRES). New York City: United Nations. Retrieved from https://unstats.un.org/unsd/energystats/methodology/documents/IRES-web.pdf IRENA Statistical Yearbooks: https://www.irena.org/Statistics |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |