Nairobi, Monday, October 9, 2023: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has received a landmark approval from the Cabinet to embark on the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, heralding a new era of progress for Western Kenya and a significant stride toward clean energy.
This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting, chaired by His Excellency, President William Ruto at State Lodge, Kisumu, brings a ray of hope to the people of Western Kenya, who stand to reap significant benefits from this transformative and climate resilient project.
The Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, situated along the picturesque banks of River Kuja in Migori County, is a visionary initiative poised to elevate the dam's electricity generation capacity from 2MW to a robust 8.6MW.
Beyond its economic impact, this transformative endeavour aligns with Kenya's commitment to clean energy and bolsters its efforts to achieve the 100% clean energy targets outlined in the global climate action agenda.
"The Cabinet's approval of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project is a momentous milestone for the people of Western Kenya and a testament to the government's commitment to regional development," said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga.
He added, "This project not only signifies progress in the energy sector, but also holds the promise of economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods for our communities while contributing to our clean energy goals."
The existing power plant, with its origins dating back to 1958, has admirably served its purpose, but now suffers frequent breakdowns and the challenges of sourcing spare parts due to its aging infrastructure.
With the Cabinet's green light, the Gogo Project is set to rejuvenate the reliability of power supply, while stimulating socio-economic activities across the entire Nyanza and Western Kenya Regions.
Western Kenya is no stranger to the vital role of Kenya’s power generation. The region already hosts several significant power plants, including, Sondu Miriu Hydropower Plant, generating an impressive 60MW, Sang’oro Hydropower Plant with a capacity of 20MW and the substantial Turkwel Hydropower Plant, boasting a remarkable 105MW capacity. These existing power facilities have been essential in meeting the region's energy needs and fostering economic growth.
The people of Western Kenya in particular, are poised to benefit significantly from these combined efforts. The increased power generation capacity of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, coupled with the contributions from existing power plants, will provide a reliable and steady supply of electricity. This, in turn, will boost local industries, create job opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life.
At the same time, the Cabinet has also given its unanimous approval to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Growth Policy. This strategic move not only reaffirms Kenya's commitment to environmental sustainability, but also cements the nation's position as a leader in green energy.
The LPG Growth Policy outlines a path to progressively reduce the dependence of 70% of Kenyan households on biomass, kerosene and other less eco-friendly cooking fuels. These measures are poised to reduce consumer prices, enhance public safety and have a profoundly positive impact on both public health and the environment.
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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%. The company’s primary business is to provide safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.
Today, KenGen PLC has an installed generation capacity of 1,904MW, of which over 86% is drawn from green sources namely: Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (799MW), Wind (25.5MW), and about 253MW of Thermal.
For media queries please contact:
Frank D. Ochieng, Tel:0721816896
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, June 18, 2025: Kenya’s drive toward a clean energy future received a major boost this week as the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) announced the arrival of critical equipment for its newest geothermal power plant at the Olkaria geothermal complex.
The planned Olkaria I project, located in the geologically active Rift Valley, is expected to add 63MW of renewable energy to the national grid once completed, further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in geothermal energy production.
KenGen said in a statement that two steam turbines and two generators destined for Units 2 and 3 of the facility have been successfully delivered to the project site after being shipped from Japan earlier this year. The equipment, which arrived through the Port of Mombasa, was transported to Olkaria in time to meet key construction milestones.
The NSE-listed energy generator said the final set of turbine and generator units, assigned to Unit 1, was dispatched in late May and already in transit. KenGen expects the equipment to dock at Mombasa and to arrive at the Olkaria site by the end of the month. Other major plant components have already been delivered, and several have been installed as work on the facility moves into its final stages.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga said: “The timely arrival and installation of these critical components mark an important step in our mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and green energy to the people of Kenya.”
He added: “We have a large team of 928 people including elite project engineers, technicians, foremen, artisans, and general workers, led by the General Manager, Business Development & Strategy, Elizabeth Njenga and the Design and Construction Manager, Eng. Isaack Maina working day and night to deliver the project ahead of time and on budget. We are now at 70% on the key project milestones and are confident to commission the first turbine by June 2026.”
Eng. Njenga went on to state: “This project is a major boost to our solid reputation built over the years in provision of renewable energy solutions and demonstrates the significant role geothermal power continues to play in securing Africa’s energy future.”
When commissioned, the Olkaria I expansion is expected to improve electricity reliability getting Kenya closer to its 100% clean energy target by 2030 as the East African nation works to phase out use of fossil fuels for energy generation.
“We are conscious about our carbon footprint and that is why we are deliberate about our focus on green energy projects which are not only climate-sensitive but are also sustainable thereby preserving our planet for future generations while supporting economic development,” said Eng. Njenga.
The Olkaria I project falls under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes the role of infrastructure and green energy in job creation and industrial development. Kenya is already Africa’s largest producer of geothermal energy, with much of its power derived from the volcanic Rift Valley. Olkaria has been central to these efforts, with several power stations contributing to the country’s energy mix.
The addition of the 63MW will bring the installed capacity of Olkaria I to new heights and continue over seven decades legacy of homegrown innovation and investment in clean energy. This will bring Kenya close to joining the elite 1GW club of largest geothermal producers.
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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%. The company’s primary business is to provide safe, reliable, and competitively priced electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.
Today, KenGen PLC has an installed generation capacity of 1,786MW, of which over 90% is drawn from green sources, namely Hydro (826MW), Geothermal (754MW), and Wind (25.5MW). The balance is from Thermal.
For media queries, please contact: Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communication at KenGen, Frank D. Ochieng, Tel:0721816896 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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