KenGen Aims to Contribute 253 MW of Renewable Energy to Kenya’s Grid by 2027

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has announced an exciting plan to enhance renewable energy capacity in the country, aiming to add approximately 253 megawatts (MW) to the national grid over the next three years. This initiative is particularly significant as Kenya’s electricity demand is on the rise, having reached a record peak of 2,444 MW in early 2026. In alignment with the government’s “G2G 2034 Strategy,” KenGen is focusing on green energy projects to significantly boost renewable capacity by 2030.

At the heart of KenGen’s expansion efforts lies geothermal energy. The rehabilitation of the Olkaria I geothermal plant is set to increase its capacity from 45 MW to 61 MW by late 2026. Furthermore, the Olkaria VII project, with a capacity of 80.3 MW, is currently under development. To quickly meet the growing energy demands, KenGen plans to install mobile wellhead generation units, projected to add more power to the grid by 2027. This ambitious geothermal initiative is buoyed by financial support from the European Investment Bank and the Government of Japan, further solidifying Kenya’s commitment to renewable energy development.

In addition to geothermal projects, KenGen is making strategic investments in solar and hydropower initiatives. A notable collaboration with the French government will see the development of the Seven Forks Solar Project, which will add 42.5 MW of solar capacity to the grid. This solar project aims to complement hydropower generation during daytime hours, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable energy supply. In the hydro sector, the aging Gogo Hydro Power Plant in Migori is set to receive an upgrade to boost its output by four times, enhancing its contribution to the national grid. Moreover, plans to raise the height of the Masinga Dam will improve water storage capabilities and bolster the reliability of Kenya’s power supply.

To enhance grid stability and efficiency, KenGen is also moving forward with the implementation of a 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), slated to commence operations in 2027. This innovative system will have the capacity to store excess renewable energy generated during low-demand periods and release it when demand peaks, thereby reducing reliance on costly thermal power and electricity imports from neighboring countries. These initiatives reflect a forward-thinking approach to energy management, aiming to build a cleaner and more reliable energy future for Kenya.