Consumers are poised to enjoy a reduction in power costs as the Seven Forks scheme’s dams in Kenya have reached capacity, resulting in an upsurge in hydropower production, as announced by KenGen on Monday.
Kenya Electricity Generating Company, responsible for approximately 72% of the nation’s electricity, revealed that Masinga Dam, the largest in the country, has reached full capacity due to a substantial influx of water from the Mt Kenya region.
The collective filling of the five dams – Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere – has created favorable conditions for increased hydropower generation.
Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, expressed, “We are happy to report that we are receiving very good inflows from the Mount Kenya and Aberdares catchment areas, which has led to high water levels at our dams. This will see Kenyans reap the full benefit of cheaper electricity.”
In the last 24 hours, the company recorded a peak output of over 471MW from the Seven Forks, contributing to stabilizing grid-scale electricity costs.
KenGen reassured residents in proximity to the dams that, despite approaching maximum water levels at Masinga Dam, they have not reached the spilling level thanks to effective water management. They pledged to issue an alert if the potential overflow of water from the large dams is anticipated.
The abundant hydropower generation, facilitated by heavy El Nino rains since October, marks a significant development, eliminating the necessity for extensive production of more expensive electricity, particularly thermal power, which relies on fuel.
Kenya’s dams were replenished after severe drought led to their depletion, causing concerns about power rationing. Additionally, the country receives power from Ethiopia, which began importing 200MW in January 2023 to address local generation deficits.
KenGen’s announcement brings relief to millions of Kenyans grappling with some of the highest electricity supply charges. Last month, electricity prices increased by about 17.3%, adding to the challenges of the rising cost of living for Kenya’s poorer citizens.
