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Nerpax Systems
Two large containerised standby generators behind a fence outside a commercial building

Generator Installations

Backup power that starts when KPLC goes off: generator supply, safe ATS or manual changeover, proper earthing and servicing.

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The lights go off in the middle of a meeting, a fridge full of stock starts to warm up, or the borehole pump stops just as the tank runs dry. KPLC outages are part of life in Kenya, especially in the rainy season, and every hour without power costs you money or comfort.

Many homes and businesses already own a generator but still struggle. Someone has to run outside in the dark to start it, the changeover was wired by a fundi with an extension cable, or the unit is too small and trips every time the pump kicks in. Worse, a poorly wired generator can backfeed the KPLC line, putting line technicians and your own equipment at serious risk.

Nerpax Systems handles generator installation from start to finish. We survey your site and size the load, supply a genuine generator that fits your needs, and install it with a proper automatic transfer switch (ATS) or manual changeover, correctly rated cabling and a tested earth. We commission the system with a live power-cut test, show you how to run it, and hand over a clean, labelled installation.

One team is accountable from the first visit to handover, and we stay on for servicing. Book a free site survey and we will tell you exactly what size of generator and changeover your property needs.

What we offer

  • Load survey and generator sizing (kVA)
  • Supply of petrol and diesel generators, open or silent canopy
  • Automatic transfer switch (ATS) panels
  • Manual changeover switch installation
  • Armoured cabling, trenching and cable routing
  • Earthing and surge protection for the generator
  • Generator plinth, positioning and exhaust routing advice
  • Commissioning with a live outage test
  • Scheduled servicing and repairs
  • Relocation or upgrade of existing generators

Why choose us

Safe changeover, every time

Every installation uses a properly rated ATS or changeover switch that isolates your supply from the KPLC line, so your generator can never backfeed the grid.

Sized for your real load

We check what you actually need to run, from pumps and fridges to lifts and machines, so you do not overpay for a large unit or buy one that keeps tripping.

One accountable team

The same Nerpax team surveys, supplies, installs, commissions and services your generator, so there is no finger-pointing between a seller and a fundi.

Genuine equipment

We supply genuine generators, switchgear and cables, not low-grade copies that fail when you need them most.

Neat, tested and labelled

Cabling is routed and terminated neatly, the earth is tested, and the changeover is labelled so anyone in the home or office can understand it.

Generator installation options in Kenya

The right setup depends on what you need to keep running during a blackout and how much you want to do by hand. These are the main choices we help clients make.

Petrol or diesel generator

Small petrol generators suit homes that only need lights, TV, Wi-Fi and a fridge for short outages. Diesel generators cost more upfront but are more efficient, last longer and handle heavier loads such as water pumps, cold rooms, workshops and whole buildings. For anything above about 10 kVA, diesel is usually the sensible choice.

Open frame or silent canopy

A silent (canopied) generator is quieter and better protected from rain and dust, which matters in estates, apartments and offices. Open frame units are cheaper and fine for remote sites or plant rooms.

Automatic transfer switch (ATS) or manual changeover

An ATS detects a KPLC outage, starts the generator and switches the load over by itself, then switches back when mains power returns. It is the best option for businesses, clinics, apartments and anyone who is often away. A manual changeover switch is cheaper and reliable, but someone must start the generator and flip the switch.

Whichever you choose, the changeover must completely separate your wiring from the KPLC supply. Plugging a generator into a socket or wiring it straight into the board can backfeed the grid, which is dangerous to Kenya Power technicians working on the line and likely to damage your generator when power returns. We never install it that way.

What affects the cost of a generator installation

  • Generator size and type: a small petrol unit and a large silent diesel set are very different investments.
  • Changeover type: an ATS panel costs more than a manual switch but saves effort and downtime.
  • Distance and cabling: longer runs from the generator to the main board need heavier armoured cable and possibly trenching.
  • Site works: a concrete plinth, shelter, exhaust routing or fuel tank all add to the job.
  • Existing wiring: an old or overloaded distribution board may need upgrading first.

As an indicative 2026 guide, a manual changeover switch with cabling for a typical home is often in the range of KES 15,000 to 45,000, and an ATS panel installed is often KES 60,000 to 250,000 depending on its rating. Generators themselves range from around KES 80,000 for a small petrol unit to well over KES 1,500,000 for a large silent diesel set. Every price depends on site; confirm with a free site survey.

Who we install generators for

  • Homes: keep lights, security systems, the fridge and the borehole pump running.
  • Landlords and apartments: backup for common areas, lifts, water pumps, gates and security lighting.
  • Businesses: shops, offices, salons, restaurants and workshops that lose money during outages.
  • Institutions: schools, churches and clinics that cannot stop when KPLC goes off.

Many clients combine a generator with other backup options. For quiet, fuel-free backup for lights and electronics, consider solar and inverter systems. If your main board is old or overloaded, we can upgrade it through our power control and DB board service.

Servicing and aftercare

A generator that sits unused for months can fail on the day you need it. We recommend regular servicing based on running hours, including oil and filter changes, battery checks, coolant and fuel checks, and a test run under load. We also test the ATS or changeover so it switches cleanly. Ask us about a servicing plan when we hand over your installation, and browse cables, breakers and changeover switches in our online shop.

Generator Installations photos

Canopied silent diesel standby generator on a white background Orange portable generator on a pavement outside a glass-fronted building Yellow portable generator on paving outside a house, connected by an extension cable

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need for my house in Kenya?
It depends on what you want to run during an outage. Lights, TV, Wi-Fi and a fridge can often run on a 3 to 5 kVA unit. Adding a water pump, electric shower or several fridges may need 8 to 15 kVA. Large homes running almost everything need more. The safest way is a load survey, where we list your appliances and their starting loads before recommending a size.
What is an automatic transfer switch (ATS)?
An ATS is a panel that monitors your KPLC supply. When power goes off, it signals the generator to start and switches your load over to it. When mains power returns and is stable, it switches back and lets the generator cool down and stop. It removes the need for anyone to go outside and start the generator, and it keeps your supply separate from the grid.
Can I connect a generator directly to my house wiring?
Not safely without a changeover switch or ATS. Connecting a generator straight into a socket or your distribution board can send power back into the KPLC line, known as backfeeding. This can injure or kill technicians working on the line and can damage your generator and appliances when mains power returns. A proper changeover isolates the two supplies completely.
How much does it cost to install a changeover switch in Kenya?
For a typical home, supplying and installing a manual changeover switch with the right cabling is often in the range of KES 15,000 to 45,000 in 2026. An automatic transfer switch costs more, often KES 60,000 to 250,000 depending on its rating. The final price depends on site, cable distance and your board; confirm with a free site survey.
Is a diesel or petrol generator better?
Petrol generators are cheaper to buy and fine for small loads and short outages. Diesel generators cost more upfront but use less fuel per unit of power, last longer and handle heavy loads such as pumps, lifts and machinery. Most businesses, apartments and larger homes are better served by diesel, while a small household backup may be fine with petrol.
How often should a generator be serviced?
Service intervals depend on the manufacturer and on running hours. As a general rule, change the oil and filters at the hours the manual recommends, and at least once a year even if the generator rarely runs. Check the battery, coolant and fuel regularly, and run the generator under load every few weeks so it is ready when an outage hits.
Where should a generator be placed at home?
Outdoors, on a firm level base, with good ventilation and shelter from rain. Keep it away from windows, doors and air vents so exhaust fumes cannot enter the house, and consider neighbours when choosing a spot for noise. Never run a generator indoors or in a closed garage. We advise on positioning during the site survey.

Generator Installations near you

Donholm Embakasi Kahawa Karen Kasarani Kiambu Kiambu Town Kikuyu Kilimani Kirigiti Langata Lavington Nairobi Nairobi CBD Rongai Roysambu Ruaraka Ruiru Runda South B/C Thika Westlands

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