By MARTIN MWITA
Consumers will continue enjoying the benefits of cheaper hydroelectric power, KenGen has said, as it sustains its water management programme that has ensured steady hydro-power generation even as rains subside.
The company has also 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.
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.
Without these interventions, the river could face severe depletion resulting from reduced rainfalls, affecting communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on its waters, management noted.
“Hydro generation has remained strong helping to stabilise 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,” KenGen managing director and CEO, Peter Njenga, said.
Thanks to KenGen’s robust water management programme 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 where Masinga Dam, which is the largest reservoir, recorded 1,055.00 meters above sea level.
Kamburu Dam was at 1,001.87 meters, Gitaru Dam at 922.32 meters above sea level, Kindaruma Dam at 779.75 meters and Kiambere Dam was at 696.97 meters above sea level.
According to latest reports from KenGen, all the major dams are at full capacity despite notably low inflows into the system, with only 1.89 cubic meters per second entering Masinga Dam and 5.37 cubic meters per second recorded at the Thiba River.
The CEO further 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 Njenga.
KenGen’s geothermal plants,
which are not dependent on rainfall,are also providing a consistent
source of power to the national grid,
helping to buffer against the effects
of erratic weather patterns.