High Grand Falls Project Picks Pace as Government, KenGen Assure Power Stability
By Admin
The Government’s proposed High Grand Falls Hydropower Project has taken a decisive step forward, strengthening confidence in Kenya’s long-term energy future even as the country grapples with reduced rainfall.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi joined Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) leadership for an inspection tour of the Seven Forks Cascade and the proposed 700-megawatt High Grand Falls site in Masinga. The visit underscored growing momentum behind a project expected to reshape the country’s power generation landscape.
At the heart of the tour was a clear message: despite challenging hydrological conditions, Kenya’s electricity supply remains stable. Prolonged below-average rainfall has reduced inflows into major reservoirs, yet KenGen says its systems remain resilient and well managed.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga said the High Grand Falls initiative represents a strategic national investment with far-reaching benefits. Beyond boosting generation capacity, he noted, the project will enhance flood control downstream of the Seven Forks system, offering protection to communities while supporting economic growth.
“This marks the beginning of an important and transformative journey,” Eng. Njenga said, thanking the Government for entrusting KenGen with the project and for its continued support. He added that the development aligns with Kenya’s push to expand affordable, clean energy to power industrial growth and the wider economy.
Meanwhile, CS Wandayi praised KenGen’s professionalism in managing water resources during a difficult period. He said the company’s disciplined planning and technical expertise had ensured uninterrupted electricity supply, even as reservoirs experience reduced inflows.
“I am impressed by KenGen’s approach to water resource management and its commitment to maintaining stable power supply for the country,” Wandayi said during the tour.
As part of the briefing, KenGen provided an update on the status of the Seven Forks dams. As of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Masinga Dam stood at 1,053.04 metres above sea level, about three metres below full capacity but safely above the minimum operating level. Importantly, all Seven Forks hydropower plants remain structurally sound and operationally healthy, continuing to contribute optimally to the national grid.
Even so, Eng. Njenga reiterated that hydropower remains Kenya’s lowest-cost source of electricity. He said its prudent use has helped stabilise power tariffs throughout 2025, even during periods of reduced rainfall, and that the same strategy will continue into 2026.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. Hon. Opiyo Wandayi (left), KenGen Board Chairman, Hon. Alfred Agoi (Centre), and KenGen MD and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga (Right), during an inspection tour of KenGen Seven Forks cascade and the proposed High Grand Falls hydro project.
Beyond hydropower, KenGen assured the country that its broader generation fleet remains strong. Geothermal plants, wind farms, thermal stations and other hydropower facilities across the country are all operating optimally, providing reliable support to the national grid.
Against this backdrop, the planned High Grand Falls project stands out as a cornerstone of Kenya’s future energy mix. Once developed, the 700MW facility is expected to significantly strengthen long-term electricity supply while delivering clean, affordable power to drive economic expansion.
Ultimately, both the Government and KenGen say the message to Kenyans is one of confidence. Despite climatic challenges, the power sector remains stable, forward-looking and firmly focused on sustainable growth.
KenGen reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable, clean and reliable electricity, positioning the High Grand Falls project as a symbol of resilience, planning and Kenya’s ambition to secure its energy future.
