@cryptoxic if the stovetop is electric, then there should be no doubt that an electric kettle is more efficient. But if the stove is gas, it's complicated. The gas burn is quite inefficient as it heats air around the pot. From the wall to the electric kettle, there is negligible energy loss. But there is a lot of loss in getting the electricity to your wall. Some power plants are gas burning.
@cryptoxic it's worth noting that there is a better option than an electric kettle. There are appliances that heat water using inline heating elements on demand, which is how some coffee makers work. This avoids heating a whole container of water. Bosche makes one that is just for heating water, generally for tea.
@cryptoxic So it's likely more efficient overall to gas heat a pot of water.