This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Kenya is on the cusp of a power revolution, thanks to the ongoing heavy rains that have filled up key dams across the country. As of May 19, 2018, the Water Resources Authority (WRA) had assessed Masinga dam to ensure stability and safety for both upstream and downstream users.
According to KenGen, the power generating firm that operates power plants on Sondu Miriu River and Turkwel Dam, water levels at the Seven Forks dams in Embu, including Masinga Dam, have risen substantially. The firm expects the dams to fill up in the coming weeks as the short rains continue.
With the high water levels in the dams, KenGen plans to increase the amount of power produced using hydro plants while cutting back reliance on costlier thermal power plants and electricity imports from neighboring countries. This move is expected to lead to reduced electricity bills for consumers.
“This means that despite the floods along rivers Turkwel and Tana, the dams are not yet full and all the water, except the amounts being used for power generation, is being retained in the dams for later use,” said KenGen in a statement.
The dams are built with concrete structures that allow water to overflow in a controlled way whenever the full supply levels are surpassed to retain their structural integrity. The dams not only generate power but also help in controlling water flowing downstream during heavy rains season.
KenGen has assured that it will continue to provide prompt information on water inflows and levels to facilitate proper management of the situation. The firm has also noted that the flood-prone Sondu Miriu is on the brink of filling up, with the current water levels standing at 1,402.30 metres against the dam’s full capacity of 1,402.50 metres above sea level.
Other dams, including Kamburu and Masinga, are almost full, while Turkwel, Gitaru, Kindaruma, and Kiambere are nearing overflow in the next few weeks.
