KenGen’s Water Management Strategy to Stabilize Tana River and Power Supply Amid Reduced Rains

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has assured communities living downstream of the Seven Forks Dams that the Tana River’s water flow will remain stable despite the country facing reduced rainfall. The power utility firm, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has implemented a robust water management program that not only guarantees a steady supply of hydroelectric power (HEP) but also stabilizes the flow of water to support agriculture, wildlife, and community livelihoods.

KenGen’s strategic approach to managing water levels across its large dams in the Eastern Region is playing a vital role in mitigating the impacts of erratic weather patterns, as the country transitions into a period of reduced rains. This move reflects the firm’s broader commitment to sustainable energy production while ensuring that essential water resources are safeguarded.

A Delicate Balance Between Power Generation and Water Management

Kenya’s energy mix heavily relies on hydroelectric power, with KenGen operating key facilities in the Seven Forks Complex along the Tana River. This includes major dams like Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere, all of which contribute significantly to the national grid while regulating water flow in the Tana River, the lifeblood of the communities living downstream.

KenGen’s Managing Director, Engineer Peter Njenga, explained the firm’s multi-faceted strategy during a recent briefing, saying, “Kenyans should be happy to know that hydro generation has remained strong, helping to stabilize the cost of power. The various roles of the Seven Forks Hydroelectric Complex, which we have reiterated before, also shield communities downstream from flooding during heavy rains by holding back large volumes of water.”

Hydropower plants, while vital to Kenya’s energy needs, face challenges due to their dependence on water availability. Fluctuations in rainfall levels can significantly impact the generation capacity of these plants, leading to concerns about power supply reliability. However, KenGen’s deliberate water management program ensures that even as rains subside, the flow of water downstream remains steady, alleviating fears of water shortages among those who depend on the Tana River for daily sustenance.

Water Levels Across Major Dams Remain High

Despite the onset of a drier season, KenGen has managed to maintain high water levels in its dams. As of October 8, 2024, Masinga Dam, the largest in the Seven Forks system, recorded a water level of 1,055.00 meters above sea level (Masl), with other dams in the system—Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere—also showing healthy water levels.

This has been made possible through KenGen’s careful regulation of water inflows and outflows across the dams. For instance, inflows into Masinga Dam are recorded at 1.89 cubic meters per second (Cumecs), while the Thiba River, a major tributary, records inflows of 5.37 Cumecs. These figures, although reflective of low inflows due to reduced rains, have not affected the overall water storage across the reservoirs, thanks to strategic management interventions.

Engineer Njenga emphasized the importance of this management program in preventing potential depletion of the Tana River, stating, “Without these interventions, the river could face severe depletion, resulting from reduced rainfalls, which would negatively impact the communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on its waters.”

Ensuring a Reliable and Affordable Power Supply

In addition to water regulation, KenGen’s water management efforts directly contribute to the provision of affordable power for millions of Kenyans. Hydroelectric power remains one of the most cost-effective sources of electricity, and by ensuring the steady flow of water into its turbines, KenGen helps to stabilize power costs.

Njenga highlighted the dual role of the Seven Forks Complex: “As we enter the reduced rains season, those who depend on water from the river should not be worried since we will be able to ensure a steady flow of water from our dams. At the same time, Kenyans will continue enjoying cheaper hydroelectric power.”

Kenya’s broader energy mix is also becoming increasingly diversified, with geothermal energy playing a key role in buffering the effects of erratic hydropower generation. KenGen’s geothermal plants in Olkaria and Eburru provide consistent baseload power, ensuring that the national grid remains stable even when hydropower output fluctuates due to low water levels.

Njenga reiterated the importance of geothermal energy in ensuring energy security, stating, “Our geothermal plants, which are not dependent on rainfall, currently provide a consistent source of power to the national grid, helping to buffer against the effects of erratic weather patterns.”

Climate Action and Renewable Energy Commitments

KenGen’s move towards a diversified energy mix is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to address the impacts of climate change. With nearly 40% of the country’s power now generated from geothermal sources, the firm is reducing Kenya’s reliance on hydroelectric power, which remains vulnerable to prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

By leveraging geothermal energy, KenGen is not only meeting rising energy demands but also supporting Kenya’s climate action goals under the Paris Agreement and the Vision 2030 development agenda. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable development while reducing carbon emissions and bolstering resilience to climate change impacts.

Njenga emphasized the long-term vision behind KenGen’s investments in renewable energy, saying, “Our long-term strategy is to build resilience against climate change impacts by increasing our geothermal capacity and investing in more sustainable energy solutions. This approach aligns with Kenya’s commitment to climate action and our development goals under Vision 2030.”

Safeguarding Water Resources for Future Generations

Beyond energy production, KenGen’s strategic water management program underscores its commitment to safeguarding critical water resources for current and future generations. The firm continues to innovate in both water and energy management, exploring new ways to enhance geothermal capacity while also investing in additional renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Njenga called for collective efforts to support these initiatives, urging stakeholders to prioritize water conservation. “We urge all stakeholders, including policymakers, environmental agencies, and the public, to support water conservation efforts and the sustainable management of hydropower and geothermal resources. With the combined support of all, we believe that Kenya can build a more resilient and sustainable future in the face of climate change.”

KenGen’s efforts to stabilize water flow in the Tana River, alongside its investments in diversified energy solutions, position the company as a leader in Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The firm’s ongoing focus on sustainability, resilience, and innovation is crucial in helping the country navigate the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring reliable access to clean energy and water resources.

Conclusion

As Kenya faces the twin challenges of reduced rainfall and the impacts of climate change, KenGen’s water management strategy is proving to be a key component in stabilizing the country’s power supply and safeguarding water resources. Through a combination of strategic water regulation, geothermal energy production, and a commitment to sustainability, KenGen is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s push towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

KenGen’s interventions ensure that Kenyans continue to enjoy affordable electricity, while communities and ecosystems that depend on the Tana River remain supported, even during dry periods. As the firm continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio and innovate in water management, it sets a solid foundation for Kenya’s sustainable development in the years to come.