Hydropower


The main source of electric power in Kenya is hydro electricity power which provides the base load. Hydropower is estimated to be 55% of the total installed capacity. However, the potential of hydro resources is estimated to be about 3000-6000MW.
The total installed capacity of hydro power as at 2009 was estimated to be 765 MW and was mainly generated by KENGEN power plants (over 99% which are connected to the national grid). However, there were a few micro and pico hydro projects contributing a very insignificant amount of power, mainly for stand alone systems e.g. agro-industrial establishments, missionary facilities and community projects. 
 
The main challenges to exploitation of hydro resources include:
  •  High economic risk due to capital intensiveness, 
  • Vulnerability to unreliable rainfall and climate change effects, and
  • Social and environmental effects such as displacement of people. 
    Going forward, the government strategy is to move away from heavy dependence of country hydro resources and diversify the energy supply mix by focusing on coal, geothermal and nuclear energy.

    The table below provides an analysis of the installed capacities of the hydro power plants in Kenya (Source: Least Cost Power Development Plan, March 2010, Energy Regulatory Commission (Kenya)).

    Power plant
    Installed capacity (MW)
    Ownership
    Type
    Gitaru
    225
    KENGEN
    Large hydro
    Kimabere
    168
    KENGEN
    Large hydro
    Turkwell
    106
    KENGEN
    Large hydro
    Kamburu
    94.2
    KENGEN
    Medium hydro
    Sondu
    60
    KENGEN
    Medium hydro
    Masinga
    40
    KENGEN
    Medium hydro
    Kindaruma
    40
    KENGEN
    Medium hydro
    Tana
    14.4
    KENGEN
    Small hydo
    Wamjii
    7.4
    KENGEN
    Small hydo
    Ndula
    2
    KENGEN
    Small hydo
    Gogo
    2
    KENGEN
    Small hydo
    Sagana
    1.5
    KENGEN
    Small hydo
    Sosiani
    0.4
    KENGEN
    Mini hydro
    Mesco
    0.35
    KENGEN
    Mini hydro
    Others
    4
    Others
    Micro and pico hydro
    Total
    765


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