The government’s proposed High Grand Falls Hydropower Project has gained momentum following an inspection tour of the 700-megawatt project site by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, alongside the leadership of Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen).
The visit covered the proposed High Grand Falls site and the wider Seven Forks Cascade, a critical component of Kenya’s hydropower generation system. KenGen said the project is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s long-term electricity supply while delivering additional public benefits, including enhanced flood control downstream of the Seven Forks dams.
According to KenGen, the development aligns with Kenya’s strategy to expand affordable and clean energy generation to support industrial growth, economic transformation and increased electricity demand.
KenGen Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Peter Njenga, described the High Grand Falls project as a strategic national investment and expressed appreciation to the government for entrusting the company with its implementation.
“Today marks the beginning of an important and transformative journey,” said Eng. Njenga. “I wish to thank the Government of Kenya, through our parent Ministry, for the confidence placed in KenGen and for the continued support extended to our mandate.”
During the inspection tour, CS Wandayi commended KenGen for its professional management of hydropower resources, particularly at a time when the country is experiencing reduced water inflows due to below-average rainfall in key catchment areas.
“I am impressed by KenGen’s professional approach to water resource management and their commitment to ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the country,” said Wandayi.
KenGen provided an update on the status of the Seven Forks dams, noting that as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Masinga Dam stood at 1,053.04 metres above sea level (masl). This level is 3.04 metres below the full supply level of 1,056.5 masl and well above the minimum operating level of 1,037 masl.
The company assured the public that all hydropower plants within the Seven Forks system remain structurally sound and operationally healthy, continuing to contribute optimally to the national electricity grid.
Eng. Njenga reiterated that hydropower remains Kenya’s lowest-cost source of electricity, noting that its prudent use has helped stabilise power tariffs even during periods of reduced rainfall. He added that KenGen’s diversified generation portfolio—including geothermal, wind, thermal and additional hydropower plants—continues to operate efficiently and reliably.
KenGen reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable, clean and reliable electricity in support of Kenya’s long-term development goals and energy security agenda.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
