Douglas Mwiti 
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is to add 42.5MW of solar energy in Seven Forks area in a move to scale up Kenya’s green energy deployment.
The project is expected to last for twenty-eight (28) months and seeks to install a 42.5MW solar power plant in the home of the Seven Forks dams where KenGen generates most of its hydroelectricity.
The additional capacity will not only scale up renewable energy, but also cushion Kenyans against the rising cost of power as it will complement the hydroelectricity generation during the day and save water for electricity generation at night, especially during drought.
The project being implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) is the first of its kind for the NSE-listed company as it aims to deliver more renewable energy to the national grid in the wake of climate change.
The signing ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga, French Ambassador to Kenya HE Arnaud SUQUET and AFD Country Director, Bertrand Willocquet.
“France is keen on partnering with Kenya in the deployment of renewable energy to stem climate change for which Kenya has shown its prowess as demonstrated in the Olkaria Geothermal Field and the Seven Forks area,” Willocquet said.
Speaking during the signing, PS Wachira welcomed the move, describing it as a big win for Kenya.
“The project will provide affordable, reliable, clean energy, create employment opportunities and community engagement through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Indeed,Kenya and France have enjoyed longstanding cordial relations, especially in the energy sector and this cooperation continues to advance our energy infrastructure for the benefit of the great people of Kenya,” he added.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga described the partnership as timely, saying the company was working to scale up its renewable energy capacity by adding additional electricity drawn from clean sources, moving Kenya towards a 100% green energy transition.
“As you are aware, KenGen is committed to achieving Kenya’s goal of increasing its renewable energy capacity to 100% by 2030.
We have made significant progress towards this goal and our partnership with AFD has been instrumental in achieving this great milestone.
We are now ready to develop our 42.5MW solar power project, adding more renewable energy to the national grid within 28 months,” said Eng Njenga.
“This project is going to complement hydro during the day when the sun’s intensity will be high, especially during the dry season.
That way, we can conserve water for power generation, mostly at night,” he added.
