In the face of growing energy demand, Kenya and Tanzania are increasingly relying on each other to ensure power stability across their borders. A recent move by Kenya to source electricity from Tanzania to mitigate potential power rationing highlights not only a growing interdependence but also the emerging trend of regional energy integration driven by necessity and opportunity. This partnership is significant to how East Africa is leveraging collaboration with each other to foster grid reliability and long term economic and energy security. Behind this shift lies a framework of evolving energy policies, regulatory cooperation and infrastructure investments that are redefining how African countries respond to domestic energy challenges in a regional perspective.
At the heart of the Kenya-Tanzania energy partnership lies the Eastern Africa Power Pool, a regional initiative established in 2021 aimed at creating a seamless electricity market among member states. It has 13 members which include Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Eastern Africa Power Pool encourages cross-border energy trading, infrastructure sharing, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. Through this platform, Kenya and Tanzania have laid the groundwork for cross-border electricity exchange, including agreements on tariffs, dispatch protocols, and grid interconnection standards. For instance, the construction of the Isinya-Singida transmission line, supported by the African Development Bank is a result of this shared objective.
Kenya’s Energy Act of 2019 is a significant policy milestone that opened the door for enhanced regional cooperation. The Act empowers the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority to negotiate bilateral energy trade deals and oversee cross-border energy transactions. It also liberalizes the electricity sector, allowing Independent Power Producers to participate in both domestic and international markets. In Tanzania, the Electricity Supply Industry Reform Strategy and Roadmap 2014–2025 lays out a clear vision for regional integration, including the strengthening of cross-border interconnections and enhancing the competitiveness of TANESCO, the national utility. The strategy positions Tanzania not only as a power exporter but as a hub in the regional energy exchange system.
Despite the policy alignment, challenges persist. Grid stability, pricing transparency, and political goodwill are essential for long-term success. Harmonizing technical standards and dispute resolution mechanisms remains a work in progress. Moreover, there are concerns about dependency and the need for sustainable domestic investments in energy infrastructure. However, ongoing policy dialogues under platforms like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 suggest strong political will to deepen energy integration. Future policies are expected to promote renewable energy trading, encourage private sector investment, and embed climate resilience into energy planning.
Kenya and Tanzania’s energy collaboration is a testament to the power of policy in shaping regional resilience. As infrastructure connects and policies align, East Africa is poised to become a model for cross-border energy cooperation. By continuing to invest in policy coherence and shared infrastructure, both countries can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s energy security.
