Kenya's energy dream will soon be achieved

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has in the past two years added 533MW geothermal power to the national grid.

The country is shifting to geothermal to replace the expensive thermal power. The country has not had any power rationing since 2014, thanks to the new geothermal and wind capacities.

KenGen has cumulatively injected 1623MW into the national grid in the last two years, with geothermal being the main source of electricity.

Energy security is a critical pillar for development that the country requires in order to realise Vision 2030. KenGen’s energy growth path is addressing energy security, climate change and poverty, in a holistic manner.

With green energy, the community’s vulnerability to climate change impacts will be significantly reduced. With reliable and inexpensive electricity for nearly half of the population living below the poverty line, Vision 2030 will be realised. KenGen has taken an energy development path that will ensure energy security, which promises rapid economic development and better quality of life for all.

KenGen’s effort have been recognised. Last Friday, KenGen received 2016 JICA president Award for its flagship green energy project, Olkaria one unit four and five.

KenGen’s renewable energy projects are helping to address national and regional energy challenges through planned electricity trade pacts. While the immediate future remains geothermal, KenGen should not be content with a single source policy and should aim at a healthy mix as we tap into new resources. It should keep an eye on the natural gas reserves.