KTDA Power Company Limited, a subsidiary of KTDA, has reported a 32 per cent surge in electricity production from its operational hydropower projects, directly benefiting smallholder tea farmers.
Currently, KTDA Power’s Imenti, Lower Nyamindi, Gura, North Mathioya, Chania, and Nyambunde hydro projects are fully operational.
According to KTDA, in February 2025, these six power plants generated a total of 3.28 MKWhrs, increasing to 4.33 MKWhrs in March 2025.
In a statement General Manager of KTDA Power Company, Peter Wachira, said the 32 per cent rise was attributed to the ongoing heavy rains that have significantly boosted river flow and power output.
These hydropower plants supply electricity to 17 tea factories managed by KTDA.
Lower electricity costs enable factories to process tea more efficiently, reducing operational expenses and, in turn, increasing the price paid to farmers for their produce.
Construction is ongoing at several other hydropower projects, including South Mara, Iraru, Rupingazi, Kipsonoi, and Chemosit.
Additionally, the company is in the feasibility study and tendering phase for new projects, including Kathita, Kiringa, Ragati, Gatamaiyu, Nyamasege, Taunet, and Kapolet.
These future developments aim to enhance the region's energy independence and bolster the economic stability of tea farming communities.
"The benefits of reliable, renewable, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy are evident, and work is ongoing on other small hydro projects. We are determined to ensure they are completed and fully operational," Wachira said.
The KTDA Power Company’s initiative underscores the potential of small hydropower projects to drive economic development and improve livelihoods in rural Kenya, leveraging natural resources for sustainable growth.
KTDA Power Company (KTPC) Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, which develops and manages renewable energy solutions for KTDA-managed tea factories through their respective regional power companies.
These projects aim to provide cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity to the tea processing factories and the national grid through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Recently, KTPC said it intends to develop solar PV through Independent Power Producers (IPP) who will design, procure, construct, finance and operate the solar PV projects.
The IPP will enter into a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) with the
respective factory to purchase the generated energy.
