Power cuts in Nairobi usually last minutes or a few hours, but they can interrupt work calls, spoil food and knock out the Wi-Fi. There are several ways to cope, from a small battery for the router to full solar.
The options
- A UPS (small battery backup) - keeps the router and a laptop running for an hour or more. Cheap, and the first thing remote workers should buy.
- An inverter with batteries - charges from the grid, then powers lights, TV, Wi-Fi and the fridge during a cut. Silent, and no fuel.
- Solar with batteries - panels charge the batteries and cut your power bill as well as covering outages.
- A generator - runs almost anything, but is noisy, needs fuel and must be used outdoors. Many apartment blocks have one for common areas; houses often have their own.
What solar costs
As a rough guide in 2026, a 5kW hybrid system with lithium batteries, enough for many family homes, costs around KES 350,000 to 650,000 installed. The price depends mostly on:
- Battery size - the biggest cost. More storage covers longer outages and the evening.
- Inverter and panel brands.
- The roof and wiring.
Smaller systems that cover lights, Wi-Fi and the TV cost far less.
Is it worth it?
- If you own a house with good sun on the roof, solar can pay back through lower power bills over several years.
- If you rent a flat, a UPS or small inverter is usually enough, and you can take it with you.
- Electric showers and water heaters use a lot of power; a solar water heater is often the best-value first step.
Choosing an installer
- Use a licensed installer. Solar technicians and contractors are licensed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
- Get two or three quotes based on your actual usage, not just a package.
- Ask about warranties for panels, inverter and batteries, and who services them.
- Check the safety - proper earthing, surge protection and a changeover switch.
Generators safely
Run generators outdoors, away from windows, and never in a closed garage - exhaust fumes can kill. Store fuel safely.