welcome to Gitaru Hydro power station

Installed Capacity                        1 x 80 MW                         
                                                     2 x 72.5 MW

Year of commissioning                Unit 1:         2000

                                                    Unit 2 & 3:  1977                                                     

Turbine manufacturer                  VOITH

Generator manufacturer              SIEMENS

Generator voltage                        Unit 1:         15KV

                                                     Unit 2 & 3:    11 KV     

It was the biggest hydro power station in East Africa by the time of commissioning in terms of installed capacity. Two vertical Francis turbines drive generators rated at 85MVA each at a net head of 136m. Water is conveyed to the 3 machines by 5 meter diameter penstocks from the intake. The dam has 3 hydraulic radial spillway gates at the spillway structure used to regulate the dam level during floods. The power produced is transmitted to Kamburu 132kV and 220kV substations, via 132kV and 220kV circuits. 

The station was upgraded in 1999 with an additional third unit which produces 80MW at 15kV that is stepped up to 220kV and is fed into the national grid at the Kamburu 220kV substation. The water is then passed on to Kindaruma, the oldest power station in the complex via an underground 4.7 kilometer tailrace tunnel.

Special Terms and Conditions

  1. Do not litter the compound. Segregate waste and put in the designated waste bins. green bins are for biodegradables and red bins are for non-biodegradable waste.
  2. Visitors are advised not to wear high heeled and open shoes.
  3. Do not lean on the guard rails.
  4. Do not run down the stairs.
  5. Do not touch panels, wires, switch buttons or any equipment.
  6. Kenya Electricity Generating Co. Ltd. accepts no liability for any accident or injury that might occur to any member of the visiting party during the tour.
  7. In case of any fire alarm, do not panic. follow the guide’s instructions. he will lead you to emergency assembly point.
  8. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the stations except in the designated smoking zones.
  9. Carrying and use of drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited.
  10. Provide a list of names of members of your team to the guide and sign the provided form after the EHS awareness briefing.
  11. Photography is prohibited. Visitors will not be allowed tio use data storage devices, for example: flash drives or hard drives. Such devices must be deposited with the security guard at the entrance gate.
  12. Please note that while entering our premises ID cards are mandatory for all adults.

Available for booking on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am only