With significant changes in weather patterns, Kenya’s Cabinet has disclosed promising news regarding the country’s electricity sector.
In a dispatch, the cabinet noted that Kenyans will enjoy the benefits of increased hydroelectric generation and potentially reduced electricity costs.
“Consequently, it is expected that the resulting benefits of a more affordable energy mix will offer relief to Kenyan consumers as their electricity bills will decrease over this period,” read the Cabinet gazette notice in part.
The Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto however stated challenges such as regulatory adjustments and spill-over risks necessitate ongoing vigilance and proactive measures.
Also mentioned in the cabinet statement, is the end of a four-year drought and the subsequent arrival of abundant rainfall, attributed to the El-Nino phenomenon, which has bolstered water levels in Kenya’s dams.
As a result, major hydroelectric plants are expected to experience improved generation capacities, particularly until October 2024.
Cabinet Directives
In response to these conditions, the Cabinet has directed a prioritization of green energy sources, notably hydroelectricity, in the country’s power dispatch strategy.
This shift towards a more sustainable energy mix as indicated by the Cabinet, is poised to bring tangible benefits to consumers, with the anticipation of decreased electricity bills over the specified period.
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However, despite the positive outlook for cheaper electricity, the Cabinet acknowledges potential spill-over risks associated with the heightened water levels in certain regions.
They specifically mentioned dams within the Seven Forks Cascade, including Masinga and Kiambere, which are expected to reach spill-over capacity starting from April 2024, with further spillage anticipated in June.
“Both Masinga and Kiambere dams within the Seven Forks Cascade are expected to start spilling-over from April 2024; with further spillage anticipated in June 2024,” read the Cabinet Statement.
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Similarly, the Karumeno Dam in Kiambu, located in central Kenya, is also expected to experience spill-over.
While the presence of spill-over mitigation infrastructure provides reassurance, the Cabinet emphasizes the importance of vigilance among Kenyans residing near dams and all road users.
Cabinet Set to Intervene over Increased Power Costs
In February 2024, the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) announced a significant increase in hydropower production aimed at stabilizing the country’s power costs.
This surge in production has been facilitated by the remarkable water levels in the Seven Forks Cascade, particularly at the Masinga Dam, which has maintained near maximum water levels over recent days.
KenGen further reported a notable operational boost at Seven Forks, with power stations recording a peak output exceeding 471MW within the past 24 hours.
Importantly, KenGen assured residents living near the dams that there will be no spillage, emphasizing their robust water management program.
“Despite getting close to the maximum water levels at the Masinga Dam which is our biggest, we have not reached spilling level thanks to a robust water management program being implemented by our engineers,” Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga stated.
Despite the encouraging developments in hydropower production, Kenyans have experienced an increase in electricity costs in recent months.
Also Read: Details of Ruto’s Cabinet Meeting on El Nino
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviewed and raised energy charges by 8.7% to Sh4.33 per unit, up from Sh3.98 in December.
Additionally, the Foreign Exchange rate fluctuation adjustment (Ferfa) charge saw a substantial increase of 103.7% to a new record high of Sh6.46 per unit, compared to Sh3.17 in the previous month.
These adjustments reflect external factors influencing energy pricing, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and management to ensure affordability for consumers.
