Amanze Chinonye
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has more than tripled its long-term power development pipeline to 5,500 megawatts (MW), from 1,500 MW, as the East African country prepares for rising electricity demand from households, businesses and industry, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The state-owned electricity generator said the expanded pipeline reflects changing market conditions, new investment opportunities, evolving energy priorities and growing demand for reliable power.
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The programme includes 2,000 MW of planned nuclear power, more than 700 MW of additional hydropower and further geothermal projects, alongside other clean-energy investments.
KenGen previously targeted 1,500 MW of additional generation capacity under its 10-year Good to Great 2034 strategy.
The company plans to finance the expanded programme through a combination of concessional financing, public-private partnerships, bonds, special-purpose vehicles and equity.
It also plans to deploy 500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage to improve grid stability and help integrate variable renewable-energy sources into the electricity system.
Kenya already generates most of its electricity from renewable sources, with geothermal power playing a central role in its energy mix. KenGen, the country’s largest electricity generator, accounts for about 60% of national power generation.
The expansion comes as Kenya seeks to widen electricity access while ensuring a stable and affordable supply for manufacturers, businesses and other energy-intensive users.
Under its National Energy Compact for 2025-2030, Kenya aims to increase renewable-energy capacity to 5,952 MW by 2030 and achieve universal electricity access. The plan also calls for substantial investment in transmission infrastructure to accommodate additional generation and improve the reliability of the national grid.
Reliable electricity is regarded as a key requirement for Kenya’s efforts to attract investment, expand manufacturing and support economic growth.
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However, adding generation capacity alone will not guarantee a more reliable power supply. Transmission constraints, financing requirements and the need to strengthen the wider electricity network could affect how quickly new power projects are connected to consumers.
KenGen’s expanded pipeline is therefore part of a broader effort to secure Kenya’s long-term energy supply as electricity demand grows.
The programme combines renewable sources such as geothermal and hydropower with nuclear power and other low-carbon technologies. Nuclear energy, however, is classified as low-carbon rather than renewable.
The scale-up underscores Kenya’s ambition to maintain a predominantly clean electricity system while adding enough generation and supporting infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing economy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
