Country's electricity demand rising by over 100mw every year

Energy CS David Chirchir at a geothermal well in Pakka Hills, Baringo County, where GDC is implementing electricity projects. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The country's annual power demand is rising by between 100 MW and 120 MW due to industrial expansion, increased urbanisation, and rising domestic energy use.

To address the high demand, the government has embarked on tapping extra energy, mainly from geothermal, into the national grid in the coming years, including 63 MW by next year.

The move comes a couple of days after the Cabinet approved the construction of Olkaria VII Geothermal Power, which will pump an extra 80.3 MW into the national grid.

According to the PS for Energy, Alex Wachira, the ministry was working around the clock to make sure that demand did not outstrip power supply or generation capacity.

Addressing the press after visiting Olkaria I, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation, he said that the plant would be ready for full commissioning by September 2026.

"We have seen increased demand over the last couple of years, which is growing close to 100 to 120 megawatts per year," he said.

Wachira said that the power plant, which is the oldest, was initially producing 45 MW, but once fully rehabilitated, this would rise to 63 MW.

"The project is about 76 percent complete, at a cost of Sh15.6B, and the contractor will be able to meet the timelines that we have set, because we urgently need power," he said.

He added that the government was working on another 70 MW from Menengai as part of the phasing out of thermal power by 2030.

The PS said that plans were underway for the construction of Olkaria VI and VII, while seeking more geothermal energy from the Suswa and Silali areas.

Wachira admitted that the government was facing challenges in funding the construction of the power plants but was quick to note that they were engaging some financiers.

"Once we bring on board cheaper power, then that is going to translate into our bills, and most importantly, also to our environment, to ensure that the environment remains green," he said.

He expressed concern over continued cases of vandalism.

"We are having serious cases of vandalism across the country, mostly of our transformers, and we will continue the vigilance to ensure that our installations are not vandalised," he said.