Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has ruled out an electricity price hike in the coming months even as long as rains subside.
In a statement on Thursday, August 22, 2024, the electricity-generating company indicated that during that period, customers will also experience minimum instances of power interruptions and rationing.
KenGen attributed the latest development to criticál installations at the Seven Forks dams in Embu and Machakos counties.
Further, the electricity-generating firm highlighted that its management has allowed the company to maintain optimal dam levels, ensuring that hydroelectric power generation continues uninterrupted throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
“As KenGen, we have taken significant steps to manage our water resources efficiently. This means that even in the dry seasons, we can continue to produce clean and affordable hydroelectric power, which remains a vital component of the national grid,” KenGen Managing Director Peter Njenga stated.
By the time of this publication, Kenya Power, a firm responsible for transmitting electricity, had not issued a statement corroborating KenGen’s stand.
Conditions of the dams
According to KenGen’s boss, all five dams in the Seven Forks system are currently operating at optimal levels, injecting clean energy into the national grid.
With rains expected to subside in the coming months, the KenGen Managing Director has assured the country that the electricity generation process will not be affected.
“Our water management program is a testament to our commitment to delivering clean and affordable electricity to Kenyans. Despite the change in weather patterns, we have positioned ourselves to ensure that hydropower remains a stable source of energy for Kenyans throughout the year.
“The health of our dams is crucial not only for power generation but also for the safety and well-being of the people living along the Tana River,” Njenga insisted.
Wandayi’s pledge
This comes days after the newly sworn-in Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, promised to lower the cost of electricity and fuel.
“As a Kenya Power customer, you expect reliable electricity access. In the event of a blackout or a blown transformer, you want it resolved swiftly. These are the expectations Kenyans have of this ministry, and we must meet them,” Wandayi stated at Kawi House after assuming office.
CS Wandayi further promised to improve service delivery through Cabinet Secretary roundtable discussions with consumers every two months.
He argued that the discussions will help the ministry draft relevant policies that will ensure customers get reliable and affordable power supply.
