John Magiro, a man living in Muran’ga county near River Sagana, has found a way to supply reliable off grid electricity powered by the major river to over five hundred households.
At the same time, the off-grid power has also powered thirty-five schools and businesses around.
Despite the rising costs of electricity, the people in proximity with John Maguro are enjoying a reliable power supply that is affordable for them and their households.
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In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), residents benefiting from the constant power supply said that the electricity generated has the capacity to power their freezers, fridges, instant showers and light up their households.
Energy produced by the project
Ann Mutio, the manager of the Savage Wilderness Camp located at the banks of River Sagana stated that, “When the turbines spin, it generates 15 amp in high water and when it is low water it generates 3 amp.”
To put it in context, according to the Energy, Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the total Kenyan hydroelectric power production stands at about 826 million amp.
John Magiro has managed to produce this power through his energy startup known as Hydro box. According to Hydro box, small hydropower is the most efficient, affordable & sustainable source of energy.
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He partnered with Belgian businessman, Thomas Poelmans to provide reliable and clean energy to the area.
Through his efforts, he has managed to improve agricultural activities, especially around chicken breeding.
The local tea factory, Kiriti Tea factory, has also contacted John Maguro for his supply of the river generated electricity.
Steve Maina, the CEO of the tea factory stated that, “Now with stable power, we are able to produce in a very standard way the quality of tea that is acceptable globally.
The cost of electricity in the country
In the country, Kenya Power owns and operates most of the electricity transmission and distribution system and sells electricity to over 2.6 million Kenyans.
However, of late the power distributor has been under fire for its unreliability atfter a spate of countrywide blackouts and the rising costs of power.
