Kenya is experiencing a renewed drive towards energy security and affordability, propelled by the robust hydropower output from Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) and intensified government initiatives aimed at electrifying underserved areas through solar energy and grid expansion projects.
This week, KenGen revealed a strong hydropower production from its Seven Forks cascade, a progress that is anticipated to stabilise electricity prices for both households and businesses during the festive season and extending into 2026. Concurrently, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi inaugurated the inaugural solar power project on Takawiri Island—an important milestone for one of the most remote communities on Lake Victoria. The advancements collectively demonstrate a two-pronged national strategy: bolstering extensive, cost-effective generation while enhancing the contemporary energy system.
KenGen's Managing Director and CEO, Eng Peter Njenga, announced that as of December 8, 2025, hydropower production from the Seven Forks system was recorded at 473.14MW, compared to an installed capacity of 600.4MW. With the water levels in the dams at Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere all safely exceeding the minimum thresholds, the utility anticipates a steady output throughout the peak holiday demand season. Eng Njenga observed that the healthy levels of reservoirs—and the robust generation they facilitate—are crucial for maintaining stability in national power costs.
"This robust hydropower operation demonstrates effective water management and strengthens Kenya's energy security amid increasing demand," stated Njenga. The company reiterated its commitment to continuous investment in watershed protection, reforestation, and climate-resilience initiatives to ensure long-term dependability. With KenGen accounting for over 60% of the nation's installed generation capacity—over 90% derived from renewable sources—the present performance highlights the crucial importance of public investment in renewable baseload capacity.
While KenGen ensures the stability of the national power supply, the Ministry of Energy is striving to provide dependable electricity to communities that have long been left out of the grid. The commissioning of the Takawiri Island solar project by CS Opiyo Wandayi signifies a pivotal moment for the isolated fishing and tourism community that has suffered for decades from expensive and insufficient generator power.
The initiative honours a commitment made by President William Ruto to provide sustainable energy solutions to the islands of Lake Victoria, supplying residents with clean and affordable electricity. This development is anticipated to extend business hours, enhance service delivery, and create new economic opportunities. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and hospitality businesses on the island are projected to gain substantial advantages from the transition to solar energy. Wandayi framed the project within a larger national strategy aimed at bridging the energy access divide, linking it to current efforts on the mainland—especially the Ndori Electrification Project located in central Siaya. Ndori has swiftly increased grid connectivity for thousands of homes, linking public facilities and fostering development in agro-processing, retail, and digital services.
The combined efforts of the Takawiri solar rollout and the Ndori grid expansion represent a strategic blended approach to energy accessibility: implementing decentralised renewable solutions for off-grid islands while enhancing grid infrastructure in rural mainland areas. This framework guarantees that geographical location does not determine access to contemporary electricity. Wandayi highlighted that electrification transcends mere infrastructure development; it serves as a driving force for economic transformation.
"As the solar array in Takawiri supplies energy to residences and enterprises—and as the enhanced grid connectivity in Ndori stimulates commerce and services—the county is embarking on a new era of growth driven by energy," he stated. The alignment of KenGen's robust hydropower production with government-driven last-mile electrification demonstrates an energy sector focused on affordability, resilience, and inclusivity. Extensive renewable energy generation is stabilising the national supply, while specific initiatives are providing electricity to communities that were previously deemed too distant or expensive to reach.
As the demand persists in increasing with economic activity, both KenGen and the Ministry of Energy suggest that this momentum will extend into the upcoming months—propelled by capital investment, digital optimisation, watershed conservation, and community-focused electrification strategies. Kenya's overarching energy narrative is becoming more evident: a dedication to reliability in the present, along with a purposeful development of a renewable, fair, and economically viable power system for the future.