Safaricom is accelerating its shift to solar energy to reduce operating costs and cut carbon emissions as diesel prices in Kenya reach record highs. The telecommunications company had converted 2,028 network sites to solar power by March 2026, representing 35.7% of its network, and plans to increase the number to 3,000 by March 2027.
The expansion comes as fuel expenses place growing pressure on the cost of maintaining mobile connectivity across the country. Safaricom consumed 10.08 million litres of diesel in the financial year ended March 2026, down from 10.47 million litres in the previous year. At prevailing fuel prices, the remaining consumption represents an annual expense of approximately KSh 2.3 billion.
Safaricom converted 596 sites to solar during the year, helping reduce diesel consumption by about 390,000 litres. The company estimates that the expanded solar installations save approximately KSh 16.4 million in energy costs each month, equivalent to nearly KSh 196 million annually.
The shift is particularly important for base stations in remote areas where access to reliable electricity is limited. Such locations often depend on diesel generators to maintain network coverage, leaving operators exposed to fluctuating fuel prices, transportation expenses and generator maintenance costs.
Solar installations, supported by batteries and other power-management equipment, can reduce the need to run generators continuously. Hybrid systems that retain diesel generators as backup also help maintain connectivity when solar output is insufficient or electricity supplies are interrupted.
Safaricom's transition is part of a broader sustainability strategy that includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Solar currently accounts for approximately 5% of the company's overall energy use, while electricity supplied by Kenya Power contributes about 78%, with diesel generators providing much of the remainder.
The company has also set a longer-term target of expanding its solar-powered sites to 5,000 as it works towards its net-zero emissions ambition for 2050. Achieving these goals will require continued investment in solar panels, battery storage, network equipment and monitoring systems.
However, the transition requires significant upfront capital, and solar power alone cannot eliminate the need for backup systems across every location. Safaricom must balance energy savings with the reliability requirements of a network supporting voice calls, mobile internet and M-Pesa transactions.
The expansion also reflects a wider shift among telecommunications operators across Africa, where expensive diesel-powered towers are increasingly being supplemented or replaced by renewable energy. For Safaricom, the immediate test will be whether faster solar deployment can contain energy costs while maintaining reliable connectivity as demand for digital services continues to grow.
