NAIROBI, Thursday, October 10, 2024: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has assured communities living downstream of the Seven Forks Dams that water flow in the Tana River will remain steady, even as the country faces reduced rains.

At the same time, consumers of electricity in Kenya will continue enjoying the benefits of cheaper Hydroelectric Power (HEP) following KenGen’s deliberate move to implement a robust water management program which will ensure steady generation of HEP even as rains subside.

The NSE-listed energy generator says the strategic management of its large dams in the Eastern Region plays a critical role in regulating water levels, ensuring a consistent flow of the Tana River adding that without these interventions, the river could face severe depletion resulting from reduced rainfalls, affecting communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on its waters.

“Kenyans should be happy to know that the hydro generation has remained strong, helping to stabilize the cost of power and the various roles of the Seven Forks Hydroelectric Complex, which, as we have said before, shields communities downstream from flooding during heavy rains by holding the bulk of the water,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, adding, “Additionally, as we enter the reduced rains season, those who depend on water from the River should not be worried since we will be able to ensure steady flow of water from our dams.”

Thanks to KenGen’s robust water management program in the Seven Forks Dams, River Tana will continue to receive a steady flow of water as outflows from the five large dams.

As of 6 p.m. on October 8, 2024, water levels across the Seven Forks dams remained high as follows: Masinga Dam which is the largest reservoir recorded 1,055.00 meters above sea level (Masl), Kamburu Dam at 1,001.87 Masl, Gitaru Dam at 922.32 Masl, Kindaruma Dam at 779.75 Masl, and Kiambere Dam at 696.97 Masl.

According to latest reports from KenGen, all the major dams are at full capcity despite notably lo inflows into the system, with only 1.89 cubic meters per second (Cumecs) entering Masinga Dam and 5.37 Cumecs recorded at the Thiba River.

Eng. Njenga reiterated that the company’s strategic management of these reservoirs has prevented severe water shortages in the Tana River and helped cushion Kenyans against erratic water supply during the dry period. Additionally, the CEO noted that KenGen’s diversified energy mix, which includes significant geothermal capacity, has been key in maintaining grid stability and powering the country during this time of reduced hydropower output.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that Kenyans continue to receive a reliable supply of power and that the water resources entrusted to us are managed sustainably,” said Eng. Njenga. “Our hydropower plants, particularly those in the Seven Forks, are doing much more than generating power; they are regulating the flow of the Tana River and ensuring water availability for millions of people. At the same time, our geothermal plants in Olkaria and Eburru are providing steady baseload power, offsetting the low hydropower generation and ensuring grid stability.”

KenGen’s geothermal plants, which are not dependent on rainfall, currently provide a consistent source of power to the national grid, helping to buffer against the effects of erratic weather patterns. Geothermal energy, which now contributes nearly 40% of power consumed by Kenyans, is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to address the impacts of climate change by reducing the country’s reliance on hydroelectric power, which is vulnerable to droughts.

By leveraging geothermal energy, KenGen is not only meeting demand but also supporting Kenya’s climate action goals through clean and renewable energy generation.

Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, August 22, 2024: Kenyans can rest assured that the benefits of affordable and reliable Hydroelectric Power (HEP) will continue, even as the heavy rains that recently swept across the country begin to subside.

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) says its proactive water management program particularly at the Seven Forks dams in Embu and Machakos counties is ensuring uninterrupted power supply from these critical installations.

KenGen’s water management strategy has allowed the company to maintain optimal dam levels, ensuring that hydroelectric power generation continues uninterrupted throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. This initiative is part of KenGen’s commitment to securing a stable and cost-effective energy supply for the nation.

"As KenGen, we have taken significant steps to manage our water resources efficiently. This means that even in the dry seasons, we can continue to produce clean and affordable hydroelectric power, which remains a vital component of the national grid," said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga.

As of this morning, Masinga Dam, the largest in the cascade, recorded a water level of 1,056.35 meters against a maximum level of 1,056.50 meters above sea level, while Kiambere Dam, the last in the cascade, recorded

698.68 meters against a maximum of 700 meters. All five dams in the Seven Forks system are currently operating at optimal levels, injecting clean energy into the national grid.

Eng. Njenga expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue providing reliable energy. "Our water management program is a testament to our commitment to delivering clean and affordable electricity to Kenyans. Despite the change in weather patterns, we have positioned ourselves to ensure that hydropower remains a stable source of energy for Kenyans throughout the year," he said.

At the same time, the NSE-listed energy generator’s CEO, also highlighted the environmental benefits of hydropower in the context of climate action. "HEP is not only a cost-effective source of electricity, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. By relying on renewable energy sources like hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar, we are contributing significantly to Kenya’s climate goals and the global fight against climate change."

KenGen said that all five dams in the Seven Forks system are currently operating at optimal levels, contributing clean and renewable energy to the national grid. Despite the full dams, KenGen's effective water management has prevented any overflows, safeguarding downstream communities from potential flooding.

"The health of our dams is crucial not only for power generation but also for the safety and well-being of the people living along the Tana River," added Eng. Njenga. "Even during the peak rainy seasons, we were able to control the flow of water downstream, minimizing the effects of flooding and reducing the potential damage to property and loss of life. This is a clear indication of our commitment not only to energy production but also to the safety and well-being of the communities around us."

KenGen remains committed to harnessing Kenya’s natural resources for the benefit of the nation, ensuring

that energy remains affordable, reliable, and sustainable for all.

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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%.

Nairobi, Tuesday, June 11, 2024: Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) PLC has received its latest achievement in operational excellence, earning ISO 45001:2018 certification for Occupational Health & Safety after successfully going through rigorous audits conducted by Bureau Veritas to confirm the company’s conformity to international standards.

This significant milestone underscores the NSE listed company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing safety performance and fostering a robust safety culture across all levels and operations in line with international best practices and standards.

The certification spans all generation modes and associated activities, demonstrating KenGen's dedication to providing safe and healthy work environments for its employees and stakeholders.

Speaking after receiving the certificate from the certification body, Bureau Veritas, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga said KenGen is excited and proud of this accomplishment and what it signifies for the our future operations.

"This certification highlights our relentless commitment to safety and continuous improvement noting that KenGen was the first public institution to receive the ISO certification in Kenya back in 2004," he said.

“KenGen has maintained the focus and commitment to the high standards leading to this certification and recertification in two other standards on Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS),” added Eng. Peter Njenga

ISO 45001:2018 is an internationally recognized standard that sets requirements for organizations to create safe workplaces, prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, and continuously improve Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) performance.

“KenGen's certification reflects the company's well-defined systems and structures that ensure the consistent delivery of a safe working environment, minimizing risks for employees and other stakeholders,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO.

Speaking during the same event, Bureau Veritas Regional sales Marketing Manager Mr. Ali Noor, who was representing Bureau Veritas District Executive Officer for East and Central Africa, Mr. Cyprian Kabbis, said the audit process for certification of KenGen was conducted smoothly and commended the KenGen team for their dedication and cooperation all through the process of audits and implementation of the procedures.

"KenGen has demonstrated exceptional dedication to maintaining a safe workplace, significantly reducing the risk of illness or injury," noted Mr. Ali Noor.

The certification is expected to run for the next three years and is the third certification since the company was first ISO certified in 2004.

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Thursday, May 23, 2024: The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) is set to host a Microsoft and G42 green data center campus at its Green Energy Park, which will run on 100% renewable geothermal power at the Olkaria Geothermal fields in Naivasha.

This announcement follows a landmark agreement made in Washington D.C. during President William Ruto's state visit to the United States, where Microsoft and G42, a leading AI and cloud computing company based in the UAE, committed to developing a renewable energy-powered cloud data center in Kenya. As part of this ambitious project, G42 will build a sustainable, state-of-the-art data center campus powered entirely by geothermal energy from KenGen's iconic Olkaria geothermal fields.

The $1 billion Microsoft-G42 Olkaria data center campus is scheduled to break ground in Q3 2024, with the East Africa Cloud Region expected to go live within 24 months. This visionary project is set to redefine industrialization in the region while providing a sustainable and clean source of geothermal energy.

The new ‘East Africa Cloud Region’, based in Kenya, will offer Microsoft Azure cloud services powered by G42's green data centres. It will provide scalable, secure, and high-speed cloud computing and AI capabilities to accelerate digital transformation across Kenya, East Africa, and the continent.

President Ruto hailed the vision of the three nations coming together, stating, "This partnership embodies our aspiration to accelerate technological innovation and build a thriving digital economy for Africa and beyond."

KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga lauded the partnership between Microsoft and G42, saying KenGen was ready to provide the needed green energy to power the project.

“This is the second Tier IV Data Centre that KenGen Green Energy Park is hosting, following a groundbreaking ceremony last year with Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) in Olkaria, Naivasha, in a move we believe will catalyze industrialization in the region,” said Eng. Njenga.

The NSE-listed company CEO said the Energy Park aims to harness the abundant geothermal resources in Olkaria, providing a stable and renewable energy source for industries within the park. “Notably, the park presents an alluring opportunity for investors seeking collaboration with KenGen to establish industries within a green energy-focused environment,” he said.

Eng. Njenga went on to say: “KenGen Green Energy Park has become a hallmark of Kenya’s sustainable development and is a testament to our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth. This is an open invitation for investors to join us in creating a greener, more prosperous future," said Eng. Njenga.

According to KenGen, the Green Energy Park spanning an impressive 342 hectares, will accommodate a harmonious blend of industrial and non-industrial activities. The master-planned development encompasses offices, data centers, research and development centers, hospitality spaces, a visitor experience center, and administrative and commercial facilities.

With its geothermal power plants located in Olkaria, generating about 800MW of geothermal power from this field, Kenya boasts an impressive installed geothermal capacity of about 980MW, ranking seventh in the world in geothermal power generation.

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