Reprieve for Western Kenya as KenGen's Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project Gets Cabinet Green Light

Nairobi, Monday, October 9, 2023: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has received a landmark approval from the Cabinet to embark on the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, heralding a new era of progress for Western Kenya and a significant stride toward clean energy.

This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting, chaired by His Excellency, President William Ruto at State Lodge, Kisumu, brings a ray of hope to the people of Western Kenya, who stand to reap significant benefits from this transformative and climate resilient project.

The Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, situated along the picturesque banks of River Kuja in Migori County, is a visionary initiative poised to elevate the dam's electricity generation capacity from 2MW to a robust 8.6MW.

Beyond its economic impact, this transformative endeavour aligns with Kenya's commitment to clean energy and bolsters its efforts to achieve the 100% clean energy targets outlined in the global climate action agenda.

"The Cabinet's approval of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project is a momentous milestone for the people of Western Kenya and a testament to the government's commitment to regional development," said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga.

He added, "This project not only signifies progress in the energy sector, but also holds the promise of economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods for our communities while contributing to our clean energy goals."

The existing power plant, with its origins dating back to 1958, has admirably served its purpose, but now suffers frequent breakdowns and the challenges of sourcing spare parts due to its aging infrastructure.

With the Cabinet's green light, the Gogo Project is set to rejuvenate the reliability of power supply, while stimulating socio-economic activities across the entire Nyanza and Western Kenya Regions.

Western Kenya is no stranger to the vital role of Kenya’s power generation. The region already hosts several significant power plants, including, Sondu Miriu Hydropower Plant, generating an impressive 60MW, Sang’oro Hydropower Plant with a capacity of 20MW and the substantial Turkwel Hydropower Plant, boasting a remarkable 105MW capacity. These existing power facilities have been essential in meeting the region's energy needs and fostering economic growth.

The people of Western Kenya in particular, are poised to benefit significantly from these combined efforts. The increased power generation capacity of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, coupled with the contributions from existing power plants, will provide a reliable and steady supply of electricity. This, in turn, will boost local industries, create job opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life.

At the same time, the Cabinet has also given its unanimous approval to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Growth Policy. This strategic move not only reaffirms Kenya's commitment to environmental sustainability, but also cements the nation's position as a leader in green energy.

The LPG Growth Policy outlines a path to progressively reduce the dependence of 70% of Kenyan households on biomass, kerosene and other less eco-friendly cooking fuels. These measures are poised to reduce consumer prices, enhance public safety and have a profoundly positive impact on both public health and the environment.

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Note to Editor:

About KenGen

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC - KenGen is the leading electricity generation company in the Eastern Africa region with an installed generation capacity market share of more than 60%. The company’s primary business is to provide safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.

Today, KenGen PLC has an installed generation capacity of 1,904MW, of which over 86% is drawn from green sources namely: Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (799MW), Wind (25.5MW), and about 253MW of Thermal.

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KenGen Energy Park

Promoter: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen)

Private sector participation: O&M; DEVELOPER, INVESTOR, TENANT

Location: Olkaria, Naivasha

KenGen has completed plans to set up an Energy park at its geothermal power generation hub at Olkaria-Naivasha in order to take advantage of the competitively priced geothermal steam and electricity as key economic drivers of production. The park will provide industrial, commercial and recreational facilities and will be developed in two phases, the completion of the first phase planned by 2022. The park is strategically located along regional transport routes with access by road and rail. The park will provide quality and reliable utilities and energy supply (Electricity, high pressure stream and brine at 130 degree Celsius) which will be managed through an appointed developer who will develop infrastructure for a plug and play environment

Seven Forks 40MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project

Promoter: Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)

Private sector participation: EPC

Location: Embu County

The project entails development of a 40MW solar photovoltaic (PV) pilot plant in seven forks area to utilize abundant solar energy, reduce consumption of fossil fuels, diversify energy sources for electricity generation, and to master solar power generation technology. It will be undertaken on approximately 80 Hectares of land wholly owned by KenGen and free of human settlement. The site has a high solar irradiation of above 2,000kWh/m2.

Raising of Masinga Hydropower Dam

Promoter: Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)

Private sector participation: EPC

Location: Masinga

The Masinga Hydropower dam is the largest dam on Seven Forks cascade with a storage capacity of 1,560 million cubic meters and installed generation capacity of 40MW. The project entails increasing the reservoir storage capacity to enhance power generation and storage. The feasibility study conducted recommended the option of raising the dam by 1.5 Meters to a full supply level of 1,058 metter above sea level.

Ngong Wind Farm

Within the period of 2009 and 2014, KenGen implemented and commissioned the Ngong I and II wind projects with an installed capacity of 5.1 and 20.4MW respectively.

The Ngong Wind Farm is located on the Ngong Hills, near Ngong town in Kajiado County and is approximately 20 Kilometres from the capital, Nairobi.

The Ngong I plant consists of 6 Vestas V52-850 KW 50 Hz turbines while the Ngong II plant consists of 8 Vestas V52-850 KW 50 Hz turbines and 16 Gamesa turbines G52-850 KW 50HZ turbines. Total generated power of 25.5MW is evacuated via an 11/66 kV line to the Ngong Substation.

Plans are at advanced stage for the development of Ngong Phase 3 wind farm with an 18-month implementation period. Once completed, the project will add 10MW to the national grid. Also planned for development is the Ngong Phase 4 wind farm which will bring on-stream another 40MW at a cost of USD70 million.

Olkaria 1 Units 1, 2 & 3 Rehabilitation Project

The 45MW Olkaria 1 (Units 1, 2 and 3) Geothermal Power Plant is located at the Olkaria geothermal field in the Rift Valley. This was the first geothermal power plant in Africa commissioned in 1980.

Due to the normal wear and tear experienced by the plant over years of operation, KenGen wishes to restore the plant to its former glory and is currently in the process of procuring a Contractor to carry out the rehabilitation works.

Upon completion of the project, the plant will be upgraded from the current 45MW to 50.7MW.