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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Davis Chirchir - Cabinet Secretary, Energy and Petroleum

@_DavisChirchir

CABINET SECRETARY, ENERGY AND PETROLEUM- KENYA

Mr. Davis Chirchir is the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Energy and Petroleum in Kenya. He provides policy, oversight and leadership in the corporate institutional framework of the Ministry. The institutions under this framework include:

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)
National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
Kenya Petroleum Oil Refineries (KPRL)
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC(KenGen)
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company PLC (KPLC)
Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)
Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
Energy Tribunal
Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA)
Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

He has in-depth experience in project development, management and execution and is skilled in strategic analysis and financial management

Mr. Chirchir previously led the Ministry in the same capacity from 2013 to 2015. This is therefore his second appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum; a testament to his in-depth understanding of the sector and the impact he had. Prior to his nomination and appointment as the Cabinet Secretary, he was the Chief of Staff to the Deputy President.

He was also a Commissioner at the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) where he spearheaded the introduction and application of information technology and reform initiatives in voter registration and election results management.

This was preceded by his role as General Manager at Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC) where he coordinated the restructuring of KPTC to create Telkom Kenya, Communication Commission of Kenya, Postal Corporation of Kenya and staff Pension Fund. He also coordinated the privatization of Telkom Kenya and establishment of Safaricom. He was a member of the Technology Committee at Nairobi Stock Exchange and supported the computerization of the Central Depository and Trading System.

Mr. Chirchir holds a Masters of Business Administration in International Management from Royal Holloway School of Management, University of London. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Tele-traffic Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Physics from the University of Nairobi.

Kamau Alex Wachira - Principal Secretary

@_AlexKamauWachira

Alex Kamau Wachira - Principal Secretary

The Principal Secretary joins the State Department for Energy with a wealth of experience from the private sector where he worked variously as an investment banker. His latest assignment was with Faida Investment Bank where he traded and structured Treasury bonds and Corporate bonds at the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). Other assignments include working with Dyer & Blair Investment Bank and Genghis Capital limited in the same capacity.

PS Wachira has served in various leadership’s positions right from his university days. He was a founding member of the Bonds Market Association as well as a member of the Steering Committee of the Kenya Association of Stock Brokers and Investment Bankers (KASIB). His contribution to the Bond’s market saw him being appointed to the Central Depository Project at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). In 2021, the project dealt in government securities worth 900 billion, the highest turnover ever in Kenya.

The PS launched his career in the financial sector after participating in the issuance of the Safaricom IPO in 2008 where he interned. He had prior completed a Bsc Degree course from the University of Nairobi. At Campus, he served as the Secretary General NUNSA and Treasurer for the Confederation of Medical Students Association. He is currently pursuing an MA in Leadership at Pan African Christian University.

A strong believer in servant leadership through community engagement and development, in that position, the PS was able to spearhead initiatives such, as free medical camps for Cancer Screening, Tree planting, Youth Mentorship Programmes, and Sports Tournaments among others. Born and bred in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, the PS is a family man who’s strict up bringing is instrumental in shaping him into the person he is.