EPRA Introduces New Rules Requiring Solar Water Heating in All New Buildings

EPRA Kenya EPRA Energy (Solar Water Heating). Photo/ file

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has introduced new regulations requiring the integration of solar water heating systems into all new building designs across Kenya.

According to a notice, the rules contained in the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2025, were gazetted on July 9, 2025, through Legal Notice No. 115.

“The Authority wishes to inform the public that the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations, 2025, gazetted on 9th July 2025 via Legal Notice No. 115, require, among other things, that all new premises have in their design a provision for a solar water heating system,” EPRA stated.

EPRA, established under the Energy Act, Cap 314, is the national regulator responsible for overseeing Kenya’s energy and petroleum sectors.

Among its key mandates is promoting renewable energy by developing and enforcing relevant regulations.

EPRA New Regulations Require Solar Water Heating in All New Buildings

Under the new regulations, all new premises must include provisions for solar water heating systems in their architectural and engineering designs.

The authority argued that developers, architects, engineers, and property owners will be required to factor solar water heating into building plans before construction approval is granted.

EPRA noted that this measure is part of efforts to promote renewable energy adoption and improve energy efficiency in the built environment.

County governments have also been assigned the responsibility of enforcing compliance during the approval of architectural and engineering designs.

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EPRA further argued that no construction project will be approved unless it meets the solar water heating requirements outlined in the regulations.

This enforcement mechanism is expected to ensure consistent implementation of the policy across all counties.

Rules on Installation and Compliance Standards

According to the authority, the regulations also require that the design, installation, testing, commissioning, repair, and maintenance of solar water heating systems be carried out in accordance with Kenya Standards, the Building Code, and all applicable health, safety, and environmental laws.

In addition, only individuals licensed by EPRA as solar water heating workers or contractors will be permitted to undertake installation work.

“A person shall not undertake any solar water heating system installation work unless the person is licensed by the Authority as a solar water heating worker or contractor,” EPRA stated.

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EPRA further stated that, within two years of the regulations coming into force, it will work with county governments to define the minimum annual contribution of solar water heating systems toward a building’s hot water demand in each county.

This is expected to guide long-term energy efficiency targets and strengthen the adoption of renewable energy across the country.

Additionally , EPRA has confirmed that the full regulations are available on its official website for public access.

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