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Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) plans to step up power generation from geothermal sources in a strategic move to cushion consumers from the effects of low water levels at the country’s large hydropower stations.

As of Monday midnight, Masinga Dam, Kenya’s largest hydropower dam, recorded water levels of1,039.42 metres above sea level (mASL) against a total capacity of 1,056mASL. This was slightly above the minimum operating level of 1,037mASL, having received only 7.5 millimetres of rainfall in the last 24 hours.

KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga said despite the ongoing rains in most parts of the country, the company is receiving very low inflows at its dams at the Seven Forks, located along the Tana River. “This poor hydrology means that we now have to turn to another source to meet the growing demand for electricity in the country,” he added.

According to a daily electricity dispatch report by the company, the large hydroelectric power stations, which ordinarily would produce a combined maximum capacity of 626MW, were only able to achieve 471MW at their peak over the past 24 hours.

“One of the large power stations, Masinga, has been shut down most days of November as part of our ongoing water management programme to ensure we are able to meet the energy demands for the longest duration possible,” said Njenga.

Even as the situation at the dams continues to remain largely subdued due to low inflows, several parts of the country continue to experience heavy rains, with cases of flooding reported in several places, including areas along the lower Tana River, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, Meruand several parts in the Coastal region.

Njenga said the company is continuing with its tree-growing campaign in support of the government’s 15 billion trees challenge, taking advantage of the onset of rains to ensure the viability of the seedlings. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed company said it plans to plant at least 500,000 tree seedlings every year and had already planted 104,292 in the current financial year, bringing the total to 2,557,516 trees grown over the last nine years.

“We urge Kenyans to take advantage of the rains and plant trees in their homes and even in the workplaces and business areas as this is one ways of not only greening the planet but also helping put protection against strong winds and heavy rains, which may sometimes cause flooding,” said Njenga. KenGen made the shift to its current geothermal-led strategy following