By Abdullahi Lukman
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) plans to add 253 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to Kenya’s national grid over the next three years, as electricity demand continues to climb.
The country recorded a peak demand of 2,444 MW in early 2026, underscoring the urgency of expanding generation capacity.
The additional capacity forms part of KenGen’s “G2G 2034 Strategy,” which prioritizes green energy development in line with the government’s goal of doubling renewable capacity by 2030.
Geothermal power will anchor the expansion.
The Olkaria I Geothermal Power Station is undergoing rehabilitation to raise its capacity from 45 MW to 61 MW by late 2026. Meanwhile, construction is advancing on the 80.3 MW Olkaria VII Geothermal Power Station.
KenGen also plans to deploy mobile wellhead generation units to quickly inject additional power into the grid by 2027.
Financial backing for the geothermal projects includes support from the European Investment Bank and the Government of Japan.
Beyond geothermal, KenGen is diversifying into solar and hydropower.
The 42.5 MW Seven Forks Solar Project, developed in partnership with the Government of France, will enhance daytime generation and ease pressure on hydropower resources.
In western Kenya, the aging Gogo Hydro Power Plant will be upgraded to quadruple its output.
Plans are also underway to raise the height of Masinga Dam to boost water storage capacity and strengthen energy reliability.
To enhance grid stability, KenGen expects to commission a 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System in 2027.
The facility will store surplus renewable energy and dispatch it during peak demand, reducing dependence on costly thermal generation and electricity imports from neighboring countries while advancing Kenya’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient power system.
