KenGen Launches 42.5MW Solar Project In Seven Forks To Boost Kenya’s Green Energy

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has announced plans to expand its renewable energy capacity by adding a 42.5 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in the Seven Forks area. The project, expected to span 28 months, marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to boost green energy deployment and enhance energy sustainability.

The new solar facility will be integrated into the existing hydroelectric infrastructure in the Seven Forks area, where KenGen already generates a substantial portion of the country’s hydroelectric power. By supplementing hydroelectric generation with solar energy, the project aims to reduce electricity costs for Kenyans and conserve water resources, which can be critical during periods of drought.

This initiative is the first solar project of its kind for KenGen, implemented in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD). The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Kenya’s goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The signing ceremony for the project was attended by key figures including Principal Secretary for the 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.

French Ambassador Suquet expressed France’s enthusiasm for collaborating with Kenya on renewable energy projects, highlighting Kenya’s achievements in energy generation, particularly in the Olkaria Geothermal Field and the Seven Forks area.

PS Wachira welcomed the project as a significant achievement for Kenya, noting its potential to provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy. He also emphasized the positive impacts on employment and community engagement through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

KenGen’s Managing Director Eng. Peter Njenga described the partnership with AFD as crucial for advancing Kenya’s renewable energy goals. “This project will not only enhance our energy capacity but also support our mission to achieve 100% green energy by 2030,” Njenga said. “By integrating solar power, we will optimize water use for hydroelectric generation and ensure a more reliable energy supply.”

The new solar power plant will be a key component in Kenya’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and build a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.