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Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) will add 42.5MW of solar energy in the Seven Forks area in a move to scale up Kenya’s green energy deployment.

Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga said the project is expected to last for 28 months and seeks to install a 42.5MW solar power plant in the home of the Seven Forks dams where the company generates most of its hydroelectricity.

The additional capacity, he stated, will not only scale up renewable energy, but also cushion Kenyans against the rising cost of power as it will complement the hydroelectricity generation during the day and save water for electricity generation at night, especially during drought.

Njenga was speaking during the signing of a partnership agreement for construction of the 42.5MW solar power plant at the KenGen Seven Forks area.

Also present was Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy, Alex Wachira, French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud SUQUET and AFD Country Director, Bertrand Willocquet.The project being implemented in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) is the first of its kind for the NSE-listed company as it aims to deliver more renewable energy to the national grid in the wake of climate change.

“France is keen on partnering with Kenya in the deployment of renewable energy to stem climate change for which Kenya has shown its prowess as demonstrated in the Olkaria Geothermal Field and the Seven Forks area,” Willocquet said.

Wachira welcomed the move, describing it as a big win for Kenya, noting that project will provide affordable, reliable, clean energy, create employment opportunities and community engagement through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“Indeed, Kenya and France have enjoyed longstanding cordial relations, especially in the energy sector and this cooperation continues to advance our energy infrastructure for the benefit of the great people of Kenya,” he added.