High Grand Falls Hydropower Project Gains Momentum as Government Reaffirms Power Stability
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi (left), KenGen Board Chairman Hon. Alfred Agoi (centre), and KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga (right) during an inspection tour of the Seven Forks Cascade and the proposed High Grand Falls Hydropower Project.
The High Grand Falls Hydropower Project is gaining momentum as the Government reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to affordable and reliable electricity despite reduced rainfall that continues to strain major water catchment areas.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi gave the assurance on Thursday following an inspection tour of the Seven Forks Cascade and the proposed 700-megawatt High Grand Falls Hydropower Project in Masinga, a visit hosted by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen).
The tour comes at a time when inflows into key reservoirs have declined after a prolonged period of below-average rainfall across several catchment areas. Despite the challenging hydrological conditions, KenGen assured Kenyans that the country’s power supply remains stable, supported by disciplined water resource management and a diversified electricity generation mix.
Follow our channel too: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAxPJ842DcZ2jz0ZS1S
Speaking to the press at Masinga, CS Wandayi commended KenGen’s professional handling of hydropower resources, noting that the utility’s preparedness has helped cushion the country against supply disruptions during the current dry spell.
“I am impressed by KenGen’s professional approach to water resource management and their commitment to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the country,” said Wandayi.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the High Grand Falls Hydropower Project is a strategic national investment expected to significantly strengthen Kenya’s long-term electricity generation capacity while delivering additional public benefits through enhanced flood control downstream of the Seven Forks system.
During the inspection, Wandayi also received updates on the status of the Seven Forks Cascade, which remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s power infrastructure. The hydropower system plays a central role in stabilising the national grid, particularly during peak demand periods, and supports the country’s broader transition to clean, affordable and sustainable energy.
KenGen Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eng. Peter Njenga said the resilience of the power system is anchored on decades of operational experience within the Seven Forks hydropower system, which he said remains structurally sound and operationally healthy.
“While hydrological conditions remain challenging, I wish to assure Kenyans that KenGen continues to provide a stable and reliable supply of electricity,” said Eng. Njenga. “This resilience is a direct result of our deep expertise in water resource management and disciplined operational planning.”
Eng. Njenga described the High Grand Falls Hydropower Project as a strategic national investment aligned with Kenya’s industrial growth and clean energy agenda.
“This strategic project will not only enhance Kenya’s long-term generation capacity but will also play a critical role in flood control while delivering affordable, clean energy to support economic growth,” he said.
Data presented during the tour showed that as of January 21, 2026, Masinga Dam stood at 1,053.04 metres above sea level, 3.04 metres below full capacity but safely above the minimum operating level. KenGen confirmed that all five dams within the Seven Forks Cascade Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere remain operational and continue to contribute optimally to the national grid.
KenGen further emphasised that hydropower remains Kenya’s lowest-cost source of electricity and has played a key role in stabilising power tariffs throughout 2025, even during periods of reduced rainfall. The company said the same prudent deployment strategy will be sustained into 2026 to ensure continued affordability for consumers.
Beyond hydropower, KenGen confirmed that its broader generation fleet including geothermal, wind, thermal and other hydropower stations located in different parts of the country continues to operate optimally, ensuring reliable electricity supply nationwide.
KenGen reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable, clean and reliable electricity in support of Kenya’s development aspirations, as the Government advances plans to strengthen long-term energy security through strategic investments such as the High Grand Falls Hydropower Project.
