Hydroelectric energy is one of the most commonly used form of renewable energy in the world. This technology uses the power of moving water to generate electricity. Kenya has relied on hydropower for generations to support its growing economy.
Today, KenGen has an installed capacity of 825.69MW of hydroelectric power drawn from about nine large power stations (more than 10MW) and about five other small hydropower stations. Hydro accounts for about 45% of KenGen’s total installed capacity.
Some of the large hydropower plants operated by KenGen include: Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, Kiambere, Tana, Turkwel, Sondu Miriu, and Sang’oro.
KenGen owns and operates several hydro power stations across the country, including Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, Kiambere, Tana, Sondu Miriu, and Sang’oro. In addition to these main power stations, KenGen manages associated dams, reservoirs, and auxiliary facilities that support efficient water storage, regulation, and power generation within the Tana and Sondu river basins.
The first underground power station in the complex, it was constructed in the early seventies by Yugoslav Companies and European construction consortiums.
The Francis Runner Turbines utilizing waters from the Thiba and Tana rivers generate power at 11kV through 3 water-cooled generators. All the governors and excitation systems of the machines have recently been replaced with new ones. Electric power from Kamburu is conveyed to Nairobi via two 220kV-transmission lines from a primary 132kV substation. Kamburu has a gated spillway capable of discharging 4,500 cubic meters of water. Water is conveyed to the next power station (Gitaru) via a 2.9 kilometer tailrace tunnel.
This is the biggest hydro power station in East Africa in terms of installed capacity. Two vertical Francis turbines drive generators rated at 85MVA each at a net head of 135m. The power produced is transmitted to Kamburu 132KV Substation, via two 132KV circuits and the station is remotely controlled from Kamburu.
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.
Commissioned in 1968, Kindaruma was the first major power station in independent Kenya. It was originally designed with a provision of three turbine generator units, but only two rated at 20MW were installed at the beginning. Subsequent installation of the third unit and upgrading of the earlier two has resulted in putting the current production of the station at 72 MW.
Power from Kindaruma is transmitted directly to Nairobi via a 132KV line or to Kamburu 132KV substation. The water is then passed down to Kiambere Dam.
The station, situated 220 km North East of Nairobi was commissioned in 1989 with two vertical generating units rated 72MW each. The machines were upgraded to 84 MW each in 2008/9. It has a 585 million cubic metre reservoir equipped with a natural spillway, a low level outlet at the main dam, an emergency spillway and intake at the saddle dam. The emergency spillway is provided for to mitigate against extreme floods. The underground power house is situated 4km away from the saddle dam where the intake structure is situated and the water conveyance is by a 6m diametre headrace tunnel. Being the last dam on River Tana, the machines run mostly as base load. The power is transmitted via 3No. 220KV transmission lines connecting Kamburu, Rabai and Embakasi.
Constructed in 1957 by the Macalder Mining Company to supply power to its gold mines, this run-of-river station draws water from the Kuja River—also known as the Gucha in neighbouring Kisii—within a catchment area of 2,980 square kilometres. It operates with a head of 19.8 metres, and the power generated is fed into the 33kV network through the Gogo–Awendo distribution line.
Constructed in 1957 by the Macalder Mining Company to supply power to its gold mines, this run-of-river station draws water from the Kuja River—also known as the Gucha in neighbouring Kisii—within a catchment area of 2,980 square kilometres. It operates with a head of 19.8 metres, and the power generated is fed into the 33kV network through the Gogo–Awendo distribution line.
The Sondu Miriu Hydropower Station is a run-of-river facility designed to harness the flow of the Sondu River to generate reliable renewable energy. Developed to support the growing electricity demand in Western Kenya, the station diverts water through an extensive tunnel system to its powerhouse, maximizing energy output while minimizing environmental impact. Its construction marked a major milestone in expanding Kenya’s clean energy infrastructure and strengthening grid stability in the region.
Located downstream of Sondu Miriu, the Sang’oro Hydropower Station was developed to utilize the regulated discharge water from its upstream counterpart, ensuring efficient use of the river’s hydropower potential. Built as a complementary project, Sang’oro enhances total generation capacity in the area while improving overall river flow management. Together with Sondu Miriu, it plays a key role in supporting sustainable energy supply and boosting power availability in Western Kenya.
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