Hydropower Boost Brings Festive Season Relief as KenGen Sustains Strong Generation.

Hydropower Boost Brings Festive Season Relief as KenGen Sustains Strong Generation.

KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, briefs the media at the Masinga Dam, part of the company’s Seven Forks hydroelectric cascade, during an inspection of the facility’s current power generation output.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - December 8, 2025

Kenyan households and businesses are set for welcome relief this festive season as heightened hydropower generation stabilises electricity supply and helps cushion consumers from rising energy costs.

This follows a robust output update from Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, which on Sunday announced that its Seven Forks hydro cascade is performing strongly, delivering abundant low-cost renewable power at a time when global energy markets remain volatile.

KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, said the company continues to record steady hydropower generation across the cascade, reaffirming its role as the backbone of Kenya’s energy stability and a critical buffer for economic resilience.

“As of the morning of December 8, total hydro generation from the system stood at 473.14MW against an installed capacity of 600.4MW,” said Eng. Njenga. “Kenyans can therefore expect stable supply during the festive season and into the new year, reinforcing our energy security at a time of increased demand.”

Fresh dam level readings show that KenGen’s major reservoirs are operating safely within optimal levels, positioning the power generator to sustain strong output through the coming months.

Masinga, Kenya’s largest hydropower reservoir recorded 1,054.49 metres against a maximum of 1,056.50 and a minimum operating level of 1,037 metres.

Kamburu stood at 1,005.04 metres, Gitaru at 923.18 metres, Kindaruma at 780.05 metres, and Kiambere at 697.44 metres, all comfortably above their respective minimum operating thresholds.

“These healthy reservoir levels signal sustained generation capacity across the cascade, thanks to our robust water management programme that ensures we deliver power even during low-rain seasons,” Eng. Njenga noted.

Hydropower remains Kenya’s cheapest and most dependable source of electricity. KenGen said that maintaining strong hydro generation helps moderate overall power costs and reduce reliance on costly thermal plants, ultimately shielding consumers and industry from sudden price shocks.

“Hydro generation is not only the backbone of Kenya’s energy affordability, but also a stabiliser of national supply and a critical pillar of our renewable energy mix,” said Eng. Njenga. “The strong performance of our dams reflects sound planning, disciplined resource management and a long-term approach to energy security.”

KenGen’s 40MW Masinga Hydropower Plant, the uppermost station in the Seven Forks cascade, which plays a pivotal role in stabilising Kenya’s renewable power supply.

KenGen reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s renewable energy future through continued investments in watershed conservation, reforestation around key catchment areas and climate-resilience initiatives to secure long-term water sustainability.

“As the world grapples with climate volatility and rising energy prices, Kenya stands out,” Eng. Njenga said. “KenGen is ensuring stability today while building a clean-energy future that is environmentally secure and economically competitive. We are strengthening reliability and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a renewable powerhouse.”

The company added that it will continue investing in digital plant optimisation, new renewable assets and green-energy expansion programmes. With the Seven Forks system performing strongly and electricity demand expected to rise alongside economic activity, KenGen anticipates sustained momentum into the coming months.