Electrical engineering is one of the most exciting and growing professions in Kenya today. As the country builds more infrastructure, industries expand, and new technologies become popular, electrical engineers are needed more than ever. As one of the leading electrical engineering companies in Kenya, we share some of the many jobs available for electrical engineers in Kenya.
Power generation and electricity distribution
As of 2023, Kenya’s installed electricity capacity reached 3,321 MW, marking a significant increase from 1,800 MW in 2014. The government has set an ambitious goal to expand this capacity to 5,000 MW by 2030, with a strong focus on renewable energy sources such as geothermal, wind, and solar power.
National electricity access has also seen remarkable growth, rising from 32% in 2013 to 84% in 2023. The government aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, emphasizing rural electrification to ensure no region is left behind.
To support these developments, both the government and private companies are actively building renewable energy systems. These initiatives rely heavily on geothermal, wind, and solar power. Electrical engineers play a crucial role in these efforts – as they can design, install, and maintain the infrastructure required to generate and distribute electricity.
Also, there are ongoing projects to extend electricity to remote villages that currently lack access. These projects demand skilled engineers to manage technical challenges and ensure successful implementation.
Automation in factories and industries
The industrial automation market in Kenya is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2020 and 2026. This growth aligns with government initiatives under the Kenya Vision 2030 framework, particularly the “Big Four” agenda, which prioritises enhancing productivity and increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the national GDP. As industries invest in automation, there is a rising demand for skilled professionals to manage, implement, and maintain these systems. This presents significant opportunities for electrical engineers in the country. Electrical engineers play a key role in setting up and maintaining automation systems that control industrial processes. They work with advanced tools such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), which are specialised computers used to automate machinery, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which monitor and control complex operations. Their expertise ensures seamless operations, reduces downtime, and enhances productivity.
Building and Construction
The construction market in Kenya is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6% between 2025 and 2028. This rapid growth highlights the increasing importance of electrical engineers in ensuring that new buildings and infrastructure are safe, functional, and reliable. They ensure proper wiring, lighting, and safety systems while following strict safety standards and rules during construction. For large projects such as railways and airports, electrical engineers handle essential tasks. They manage power supplies to keep electricity flowing without interruptions. They also design signal systems to ensure railway operations run safely. Also, they create control systems to improve how these projects perform and operate efficiently.
Communication networks
Kenya became the second country in Africa to launch 5G trials in March 2021, following South Africa. This advancement is expected to significantly enhance mobile connectivity and internet services across the country. The ongoing rollout of 5G technology is anticipated to drive further growth in the sector. Electrical engineers play a key role in the design and maintenance of the communication systems. They design the hardware and software that make up 5G networks, such as base stations, antennas, and mobile devices. Small cells are mini base stations that are used to densify 5G networks and provide better coverage in urban areas. Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and deploying these small cells. 5G networks use higher frequencies than previous generations of mobile technology. Electrical engineers optimise signal distribution to ensure that users have a good connection, even when they are far away from a base station.
Leading electrical engineering firms in Kenya are always on the lookout for trained and experienced electrical engineers ready to contribute to the country’s growing infrastructure needs.