Nairobi, Wednesday, July 30, 2025: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), the country’s largest power producer, has planted 887,200 trees in 12 months, exceeding the government target of 830,000, in a strategic effort to protect Kenya’s water sources and ensure long-term energy security.
The NSE-listed utility stated that the trees were planted in forested areas crucial to the country's hydropower and geothermal infrastructure, including the Tana Basin, the Mau Forest Complex, and Mt. Elgon.
“KenGen’s outstanding performance in tree growing demonstrates the critical link between clean energy generation and environmental stewardship. By exceeding its target, KenGen is not just powering our nation, it is securing the natural ecosystems that underpin our energy future. This is the kind of leadership we need in the energy sector as we work towards a greener, more resilient Kenya,” said Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy.
KenGen has planted more than 2.1 million trees since 2022, when the government launched an ambitious reforestation campaign aimed at planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Overall, the company said it had planted 4.2 million trees since 2013.
“We grow trees to keep turbines running in our power plants located in several counties across the country,” said Peter Njenga, the Managing Director and CEO, adding, “Healthy catchments mean stable hydropower generation.”
“Tree planting must go beyond ceremony,” Eng. Njenga said. “At KenGen, every seedling is planted with purpose, to safeguard our environment, empower communities, and ensure the turbines keep turning.”
Tree planting in Kenya has become a national priority, following years of deforestation, erratic rainfall and declining water levels that have disrupted electricity generation. Hydropower accounts for nearly 30% of Kenya’s daily electricity generation, according to the latest reports from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
“In addition to hydropower catchments, we have embarked on reforestation around geothermal fields in Eburru and Enosupukia, areas where we tap underground steam to generate electricity,” said Eng. Peter Njenga.
The tree planting efforts are part of KenGen’s long-term strategy, known as G2G (Good to Great) Strategy 2034, which includes goals related to renewable energy, environmental restoration and community involvement.
In western Kenya, around the Gogo and Sondu power stations, the company distributed over 100,000 seedlings to small-scale farmers. Similar programs, the company said, aim to improve food security and support household incomes. “For our community partners, tree growing is not just about conservation,” a KenGen sustainability officer said. “It’s a source of income, dignity and resilience.”
KenGen has also involved schools and its own staff in the program. Through its Green Initiative Challenge, over 100 schools in Embu, Kitui and Machakos counties have planted 30,000 trees. Staff members have grown more than 80,000 trees in their homes and farms, while partnerships with golf clubs have added another 20,000 trees to urban green spaces.
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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 over 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 1,786 MW, of which over 93% is drawn from renewable sources, namely Hydro (826 MW), Geothermal (754 MW), and Wind (25.5 MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Frank D. Ochieng, Tel: 0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nairobi, Tuesday, July 29, 2025: The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), has commissioned a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to supply uninterrupted renewable power to its modular data center, marking a new frontier in Kenya’s long-term green energy strategy.
The newly installed 1.16 megawatt-hour (MWh) BESS will serve the company’s 52- kilowatt Modular Data Center (MDC) at its head offices in Nairobi, a facility comprising 356 U-spaces, purpose-built to support KenGen’s growing digital infrastructure. The storage system is designed to guarantee stable electricity even during periods of low grid demand, underscoring the role of battery technology in enhancing energy resilience.
The launch is a cornerstone of KenGen’s Good to Great (G2G) 2034 strategic blueprint,
which targets the rollout of 500MWh of energy storage capacity over the next decade.
“This commissioning marks a crucial step in our journey toward a low-carbon, digitally resilient future,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO during the ceremony at the company’s Nairobi headquarters. “By integrating battery storage into our data infrastructure, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also showcasing how energy utilities can lead in sustainable innovation.”
The MDC and accompanying storage system represent a shift in how energy producers support the country’s digital transformation and energy security. The facility is expected to serve internal operations while providing a model for how utilities can use renewable storage to meet rising computing and connectivity demands.
KenGen executives emphasized that the BESS offers multiple advantages, including improved grid stability, energy independence, cost efficiencies, and seamless backup capabilities.
“This initiative is more than a technological upgrade,” Eng. Njenga added. “It is a commitment to Kenya’s green transition and to ensuring that our digital economy is powered by sustainable, reliable energy.”
As Kenya accelerates its adoption of clean technologies, KenGen’s investment in battery storage positions the state utility at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, merging legacy infrastructure with next-generation solutions to meet emerging national and regional needs.
Ends/
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 1,786 MW, of which over 90% is drawn from green sources namely: Hydro (826 MW), Geothermal (754 MW), Wind (25.5 MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries please contact: Frank D. Ochieng, Tel:0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nairobi, Friday, July 25, 2025: Kenya’s electricity grid has hit a new all-time high, recording a system peak demand of 2,362.28MW on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy consumption trends, driven by industrial expansion, increased urbanisation, and rising domestic energy use.
At the heart of meeting this historic demand was the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), which continues to reaffirm its position as the backbone of Kenya’s national grid. KenGen’s geothermal and hydropower delivered the lion’s share of energy to the system, contributing significantly to stabilising supply and preventing outages.
According to the latest reports by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), KenGen’s geothermal plants generated 13,678.35 megawatt-hours (MWh), representing 31.85% of total energy supplied, while its hydropower stations delivered 10,915.93MWh, or 25.42% of the national output. Combined, these sources accounted for over 57% of Kenya’s daily electricity generation, underscoring KenGen’s strategic role in delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power.
“We are committed to supplying steady and reliable baseload power to light our homes and drive Kenya’s industrialisation,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO, adding “this is why in our 10-year G2G strategy, we are working to deliver 1,500MW of electricity all from renewable sources including geothermal, hydro, wind and solar.”
Notably, Kiambere, exceeded expectations by producing 2,908 MWh, 23.31% above dispatch projections. Other major hydros like Gitaru, Kamburu, and Masinga also supported system operations despite flow variability in the cascading river system. This greatly contributed to stabilisation of cost of electricity in the country considering hydro is Kenya’s cheapest source.
Geothermal, meanwhile, proved essential for baseload support, with minimal curtailment. This aligns with Kenya’s long-term energy transition strategy to reduce reliance on expensive thermal imports and enhance renewable generation.
“While the total energy demand for the day stood at 42,943.11MWh, including thermal sources, wind, and interconnectors with Uganda and Ethiopia supplemented generation, we are glad to note that it was KenGen’s steady delivery from indigenous resources that ensured grid stability,” said Eng. Njenga.
The milestone demand came without any reported load shedding, affirming the robust response by system operators. However, transmission lines such as Muhoroni-Chemosit and Kisumu- Muhoroni exceeded 120% capacity, highlighting the need for urgent infrastructure reinforcement to keep pace with surging demand.
With the country’s appetite for power continuing to grow, KenGen’s operational performance goes to show the importance of investing in resilient and sustainable generation capacity.
Ends/
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 over 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 1,786 MW, of which over 93% is drawn from renewable sources, namely Hydro (826 MW), Geothermal (754 MW), and Wind (25.5 MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Frank D. Ochieng, Tel: 0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, June 18, 2025: Kenya’s drive toward a clean energy future received a major boost this week as the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) announced the arrival of critical equipment for its newest geothermal power plant at the Olkaria geothermal complex.
The planned Olkaria I project, located in the geologically active Rift Valley, is expected to add 63MW of renewable energy to the national grid once completed, further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in geothermal energy production.
KenGen said in a statement that two steam turbines and two generators destined for Units 2 and 3 of the facility have been successfully delivered to the project site after being shipped from Japan earlier this year. The equipment, which arrived through the Port of Mombasa, was transported to Olkaria in time to meet key construction milestones.
The NSE-listed energy generator said the final set of turbine and generator units, assigned to Unit 1, was dispatched in late May and already in transit. KenGen expects the equipment to dock at Mombasa and to arrive at the Olkaria site by the end of the month. Other major plant components have already been delivered, and several have been installed as work on the facility moves into its final stages.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga said: “The timely arrival and installation of these critical components mark an important step in our mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and green energy to the people of Kenya.”
He added: “We have a large team of 928 people including elite project engineers, technicians, foremen, artisans, and general workers, led by the General Manager, Business Development & Strategy, Elizabeth Njenga and the Design and Construction Manager, Eng. Isaack Maina working day and night to deliver the project ahead of time and on budget. We are now at 70% on the key project milestones and are confident to commission the first turbine by June 2026.”
Eng. Njenga went on to state: “This project is a major boost to our solid reputation built over the years in provision of renewable energy solutions and demonstrates the significant role geothermal power continues to play in securing Africa’s energy future.”
When commissioned, the Olkaria I expansion is expected to improve electricity reliability getting Kenya closer to its 100% clean energy target by 2030 as the East African nation works to phase out use of fossil fuels for energy generation.
“We are conscious about our carbon footprint and that is why we are deliberate about our focus on green energy projects which are not only climate-sensitive but are also sustainable thereby preserving our planet for future generations while supporting economic development,” said Eng. Njenga.
The Olkaria I project falls under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes the role of infrastructure and green energy in job creation and industrial development. Kenya is already Africa’s largest producer of geothermal energy, with much of its power derived from the volcanic Rift Valley. Olkaria has been central to these efforts, with several power stations contributing to the country’s energy mix.
The addition of the 63MW will bring the installed capacity of Olkaria I to new heights and continue over seven decades legacy of homegrown innovation and investment in clean energy. This will bring Kenya close to joining the elite 1GW club of largest geothermal producers.
Ends…/
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 1,786MW, of which over 90% is drawn from green sources, namely Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (754MW), and Wind (25.5MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communication at KenGen, Frank D. Ochieng, Tel:0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stable Water Levels at Masinga Offer Relief to Power Consumers, Even as Shift to Geothermal Gains Urgency
Nairobi, Wednesday, May 28, 2025: Kenya’s largest hydroelectric reservoir, Masinga Dam, has defied mounting climate pressures to maintain stable water levels this week, offering relief to cushion Kenyans from unpredictable rainfall patterns.
The high levels of water are a welcome development at a time when climate change continues to affect Hydroelectric Power (HEP) production putting energy planners under growing pressure to diversify the country’s power sources.
Fresh data from the NSE-listed Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) shows Masinga holding at 1,056.97 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), surpassing the maximum level of 1,056.50. This is a big boost to Kenya’s electricity grid, as Masinga dam anchors the Seven Forks cascade which is a system of five interlinked hydro stations that collectively powers a significant share of the nation’s economy.
At the same time, the broader hydro network remains under tight watch. KenGen said its Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, Kiambere, Turkwel, Sondu, and Sang’oro power stations continue to hold strong operating at maximum water levels.
Hydroelectricity is Kenya’s cheapest and most established source of power, but it is also the most vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns. With droughts in recent years cutting deep into production, the country’s reliance on water-fed dams is being re-evaluated.
“This kind of stability at Masinga and the other hydro power stations is welcome, but it is no longer something we can take for granted,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO. “We are operating in a new reality, and that’s why we are investing heavily in geothermal to shield Kenyans from the vagaries of rain-fed power production.”
Geothermal energy, tapped from deep beneath Kenya’s volcanically active Rift Valley, today accounts for more than 42% of the country’s daily power consumption. Unlike hydropower, it is impervious to weather, giving it a critical edge in times of drought. For planners, it has become the cornerstone of Kenya’s long-term energy resilience strategy.
According to latest data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, geothermal accounts for more than 42% of Kenya’s daily energy consumption with KenGen contributing over 33% from its geothermal power plants in Olkaria.
In a proactive move to make Kenya energy secure, the government is currently fast-tracking geothermal expansion projects in Olkaria, Menengai, and other geothermal-active sites with an eye on both domestic stability and regional exports under the Eastern Africa Power Pool.
At the same time, KenGen says it has rolled out new real-time monitoring systems across its dams to ensure efficient water use and early warning for potential risks.
As Kenya walks a tightrope between climate vulnerability and energy demand, this week’s Masinga figures offer hope, but also a warning. The future of power in Africa’s most ambitious green economy will not rest on one dam alone, but on how fast Kenya can pivot to climate-smart solutions.
Ends…/
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 1,785MW, of which over 93% is drawn from green sources, namely Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (754MW), and Wind (25.5MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communication at KenGen, Frank D. Ochieng, Tel:0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Masinga, Thursday, 15th May 2025: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), East Africa’s leading electricity generator, today hosted high level Government delegation led by Energy PS Alex Wachira on an inspection tour of KenGen Seven Forks’ dams. This follows the natural overflow of the Seven Forks Dams due to sustained heavy inflows from ongoing rainfall.
The tour comes two weeks after KenGen issued a safety alert to communities and stakeholders living along the Seven Forks Cascade and the Tana River of a potential overflow, caused by sustained high inflows. The alert urged communities living near the affected areas to remain vigilant, warning that they are at risk of increased river flows and potential flooding.
Speaking during the inspection tour of the dams, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, confirmed that water levels, especially in Masinga and Kiambere dams, have continued to rise sharply and have surpassed their maximum capacity.
“As of 14th May, Masinga Dam was 0.65 meters above its full supply level (1056.5 mASL), while Kiambere Dam was 0.27 meters above its full supply level (700 mASL). Based on this trend, we have witnessed a natural overflow of Masinga Dam from 30th April 2025 due increased inflows from Thiba River and the the Aberdares. Yesterday, Kiambere Dam began to overflow naturally,” said Eng. Njenga.
KenGen issued an alert to communities living along the Tana River downstream of Kiambere Dam, enabling them to take precautionary measures, including relocating to higher ground. This comes alongside increased hydroelectric generation from the company's power plants in the Seven Forks cascade, supporting both electricity supply and water management.
Echoing the government's confidence in KenGen during the tour, Energy PS Alex Wachira reassured the country of continued supply of hydroelectricity to the national grid due KenGen’s expertise in dam management and water utilization.
“Today we are here to monitor the performance of our hydropower dams against the backdrop of the ongoing rains. There is no doubt that these rains will have a positive impact on our electricity mix. The Ministry is currently coordinating closely with KenGen and other stakeholders to ensure the integrity and safety of our dams, which are critical infrastructure within our energy ecosystem.” said Energy PS, adding “We are closely monitoring the impact of these heavy rains and are prepared to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of our people. We have activated our emergency response systems and are working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
This year's situation is being described as historic, with rainfall intensities and catchment inflows exceeding seasonal norms. KenGen has since activated its emergency communication protocols and is working in close collaboration with the National and County Governments’ disaster management teams, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, to ensure that affected communities receive timely information and support.
Beyond electricity generation, the Seven Forks dams play a critical role in flood control. Together, the dams can hold over 2,321 million cubic meters of water, which accounts for more than 46% of the annual inflows from the Tana River. The ability to retain large volumes of water significantly reduces the impact of heavy rainfall on downstream areas.
KenGen has been actively monitoring rainfall patterns, river flows, and dam levels. The company is also intensifying community outreach, using media, local authorities, and on-ground teams to sensitize residents about safety actions to take, in the event of rising water levels.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the communities around us while maintaining the integrity of our infrastructure. Our role goes beyond power generation, it’s about being a responsible partner to the people and the environment,” Eng. Njenga affirmed.
KenGen will continue to monitor and issue regular updates for residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to remain alert, observe caution, and cooperate with official advisories.
Ends/
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 1,785MW, of which over 93% is drawn from green sources, namely Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (754MW), and Wind (25.5MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Frank D. Ochieng, Tel: 0721747890 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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