Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy aimed at propelling the nation towards a sustainable, green energy future.
The G2G plan, spanning from 2024 to 2034, focuses on expanding investments in geothermal, wind, and solar power while enhancing operational efficiency and integrating advanced technology for the benefit of all Kenyan consumers. At the launch event held at the Olkaria Geothermal Spa in Naivasha on Thursday, October 17, 2024, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi praised KenGen’s forward-thinking approach. He emphasized that the company’s goals under the new strategy include increasing renewable energy capacity, diversifying its energy portfolio, and contributing to Kenya’s economic transformation through job creation and infrastructure development.
Wandayi affirms the government’s commitment to supporting KenGen’s efforts in delivering clean, reliable, and affordable power to all Kenyans. He further highlights the strategy’s importance in the country’s journey towards a low-carbon economy and continued leadership in green energy innovation. The G2G Strategy is built on key pillars that prioritize the expansion of geothermal power capacity, scaling up wind and solar projects, and exploring new technologies such as hydrogen energy and energy storage solutions. This diversification aims to strengthen Kenya’s energy resilience and solidify KenGen’s position as a leader in the global renewable energy landscape.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga describes the strategic plan as a historic moment for both the company and Kenya’s energy sector, emphasizing their commitment to harnessing the country’s immense renewable energy potential to provide reliable, affordable, and clean power to all Kenyans. KenGen’s Board Chairman Frank Konuche reiterates the company’s focus on driving Kenya’s socio-economic impact through substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and community-driven initiatives. These investments are expected to create new jobs, boost Kenya’s GDP significantly, and position KenGen as a key driver of the country’s economic transformation.
The strategic plan also aims to enhance the operational efficiency of KenGen’s energy production and distribution systems by integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative practices, potentially leading to cost savings that can be passed on to consumers in the form of more affordable electricity rates. The G2G Strategy includes the exploration and implementation of advanced technologies such as hydrogen energy and energy storage solutions. Hydrogen energy holds great potential as a clean and sustainable energy source for various applications while energy storage solutions will enable KenGen to store excess energy generated from renewable sources and deploy it during periods of high demand, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply.
The company plans to collaborate with local communities to develop and implement renewable energy projects that meet their specific needs. Additionally, KenGen will focus on minimizing the environmental impact of its operations by adhering to strict environmental standards, implementing best practices in resource management, and investing in reforestation and conservation projects to offset carbon emissions. To achieve the goals outlined in the G2G Strategy, KenGen intends to establish partnerships with international and local stakeholders, including governments, private sector companies, and research institutions.
