Our Services
Backup Power and Electrical Services in Nairobi
- Generators and ATS
- Solar-hybrid ready
- Free site assessment
100+
Projects Completed
50+
Expert Technicians
4.8/5
Client Rating
Same-Day
Response Time
24/7
Support Line
Never Sit in the Dark Again
Why Backup Power Is Non-Negotiable in Nairobi
Power outages in Kenya have averaged 8 to 10 hours a month in recent Kenya Power reporting. For businesses that means spoiled refrigerated stock, halted production, or a guest sitting in a dark room. For homes in Runda, Karen, and Kilimani, it's about security systems staying live, water pumps running, and not losing an evening to darkness.
A generator sitting unused because it was never wired to switch on automatically is one of the most common and avoidable problems we see. Backup power only works if the generator, the transfer switch, and the underlying electrical wiring are all specified correctly.
Backup Power on Site
Generator, ATS, or Both?
For anything where downtime has a real cost, generator plus ATS is the practical minimum.
| Setup | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Generator Only | Manual start and manual changeover | Occasional use, tight budgets, someone always on-site |
| Generator + ATS | Fully automatic detection, start, and changeover | Homes and businesses wanting hands-off backup |
| Generator + ATS + Solar Hybrid | Solar and battery handle short outages, generator covers extended ones | Properties already running solar wanting full redundancy |
If you already run solar, a hybrid setup where solar and battery absorb shorter outages and the generator only kicks in for extended ones saves significantly on fuel costs over time.
How Much Does a Generator and ATS Cost in Nairobi?
| Generator Size | Typical Use | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 10 kVA | Home, small business | KES 180,000 - 350,000 |
| 15 to 30 kVA | Farm, office, workshop | KES 400,000 - 700,000 |
| 50 to 100 kVA | Medium business, industrial | KES 900,000 - 1,800,000 |
| 150 to 250 kVA | Large commercial, factory | KES 2,000,000 - 4,000,000+ |
ATS units are priced by amperage rather than property type, ranging from roughly KES 50,000 for smaller residential-scale switches to well into the millions for large three-phase industrial units. Installation labor and cabling are typically quoted separately.
The Electrical Work Backup Power Depends On
A generator and ATS are only as good as the distribution board and wiring behind them. Undersized cabling or poor earthing will cause a system to underperform or trip under load. Before installing backup power, we check:
- ✓Whether the existing distribution board can handle the added load safely.
- ✓Whether cabling gauge is adequate for the generator's output.
- ✓Whether earthing and bonding meet current safety standards.
- ✓Whether existing wiring has any pre-existing faults that would compromise the new system.
What EPRA Licensing Means Here
Kenya's electrical installation work is regulated by EPRA, which issues Electrical Worker and Contractor licences across five classes, A1, A2, B, C1, and C2, based on qualifications and scope of work. A1 sits at the top, typically requiring a registered Electrical Engineer.
For any generator, ATS, and distribution board work, confirm the contractor's licence class matches the scope of the job, not just that they hold "a licence." Asking which class someone holds is a fair, direct question.
Practical Tips Before You Commit
- ✓Size the generator to your actual critical load, not your total property load.
- ✓Get the electrical assessment done before you buy the generator, not after.
- ✓Ask for the EPRA licence class of whoever will do the wiring and ATS installation.
- ✓If you already run solar, ask specifically about hybrid configuration.
- ✓Budget for fuel and servicing costs, not just the upfront equipment price.
This work pairs naturally with CCTV and security systems, since a security system that goes dark during an outage defeats its purpose. See our other services, and if you're based in Nairobi CBD, Industrial Area, orWestlands, we handle backup power and electrical installations directly from our Nairobi CBD office.
We Also Serve These Areas
Get a Free Backup Power Assessment
We'll size a system to your actual critical load, not a generic package, and check the electrical work it depends on.
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FAQs - Backup Power in Nairobi
How do I know what size generator I need?+
Add up the actual load of the equipment you need to keep running during an outage, not your property's total electrical capacity. This is what a proper electrical assessment calculates.
Can an ATS work with a generator I already own?+
In most cases yes, provided the generator has the right control interface. This should be confirmed during the site assessment.
How quickly does an ATS switch to generator power?+
Typically within seconds of detecting an outage, fast enough that most equipment doesn't lose power meaningfully.
Do I need EPRA-licensed electricians for a home generator installation?+
Yes. Electrical installation work in Kenya, including generator wiring and ATS installation, requires an appropriately licensed electrical worker or contractor.
How often does a diesel generator need servicing?+
Oil changes roughly every 100 to 200 operating hours, with a fuller service every three months or so depending on usage.
Can solar and a generator work together?+
Yes, this is a common and sensible hybrid setup: solar and battery handle shorter outages, the generator covers extended ones.
What's the difference between standby and prime power ratings?+
Standby rating is the maximum output for short-term emergency use; prime rating is the safe continuous output for longer or regular use.
Do you service generators and ATS units installed by other companies?+
Yes, provided the existing installation meets basic safety standards on inspection.