Kenya’s economic ambitions continue to expand as the country works toward industrial growth, digital transformation, and improved living standards. Yet, despite significant progress in electrification, the nation still faces challenges in power generation. President William Ruto’s recent remarks that Kenya currently has only around 2,300 megawatts (MW) of installed electricity capacity highlight a pressing reality: the country needs to rapidly upscale power supply to support its growing industries, population, and development agenda.   Today, most of Kenya’s electricity comes from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydropower and wind. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), hydropower contributes roughly 800 MW, representing about 30 percent of the national electricity mix. However, years of unreliable rainfall and rising demand have placed strain on existing dams and reduced power output. To ensure energy security and maintain Kenya’s leadership in clean energy in East Africa, investing in new hydropower dams and improving current water infrastructure must become a national priority. Hydropower remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective sources of electricity. Unlike fossil fuels, which expose the economy to fluctuating global prices, water is a natural domestic resource that can generate power continuously if well managed. Projects such as the Turkwel Hydroelectric Dam, Gitaru, Kamburu, and Masinga have played a crucial role in powering homes and industries for decades. However, their generation capacity has not grown at the same pace as national consumption, which is projected by the Ministry of Energy to reach 5,000 MW by 2030 as Kenya advances toward industrialization. The government has already initiated important steps. The High Grand Falls Dam on River Tana, for instance, is expected to deliver more than 700 MW once completed, making it the largest hydroelectric project in the country. The multipurpose project will also support irrigation in the Lower Tana region, enhance food security, and provide flood control protection. This model represents the future of strategic infrastructure, one project serving multiple national needs.   the proposed Owen Falls expansions, rehabilitation of aging turbines, and upgrades of transmission systems will help reduce energy losses. Kenya’s top power producer, KenGen, has emphasized the need to increase hydropower capacity to stabilize the grid, especially during peak demand and when geothermal supply fluctuates. Strengthening hydropower output can also reduce reliance on expensive diesel-generated electricity, which today acts as a backup when water levels drop. Cutting diesel use would translate into lower consumer power tariffs and minimize greenhouse gas emissions — supporting Kenya’s climate commitments under national clean energy programs. Dams are not just power generators; they are engines of socio-economic transformation. When designed properly, they improve water storage, ensuring year-round availability for domestic consumption, irrigation, and industrial use. This is especially crucial as Kenya faces increasing climate variability and prolonged droughts. The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation notes that more than 15 million Kenyans rely on community water schemes. Expanding dam infrastructure would increase access to water, boost agricultural productivity, and protect communities from water scarcity. Moreover, constructing dams stimulates rural economies by creating thousands of skilled and unskilled jobs. It attracts new investment into manufacturing, mining, and logistics — sectors that require a stable power supply. Enhanced electricity availability also supports the growth of modern systems such as cold storage for agricultural products, helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses and increase earnings. Better infrastructure gives investors confidence that Kenya can sustain industrial growth without power interruptions. Yet, to fully harness the potential of hydropower, Kenya must address key implementation challenges. Quality must be safeguarded during planning and construction to prevent cost overruns, delays, and structural failures. Proper environmental and community impact studies must be conducted to avoid displacing large populations or causing ecosystem disruption. Additionally, the government should strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge funding gaps and accelerate completion of projects. Transparent procurement and strong oversight will also be vital in ensuring that every shilling invested yields maximum value to citizens. Maintenance culture must equally improve. Some existing dams operate with outdated infrastructure because renovation has been delayed for years. The result is reduced efficiency and lower power output. Regular upgrading of turbines, spillways, and transmission lines can add hundreds of megawatts to the grid without building new structures. Kenya also needs to adopt advanced water management technology — including automated monitoring systems — to optimize power generation even in periods of low rainfall. As Kenya continues pursuing Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), increasing electricity access remains central to achieving economic independence. Industrial parks, digital hubs, manufacturing zones, and urban expansion all depend on dependable and affordable power. Dams offer a tried-and-tested solution that can deliver long-term renewable energy across generations. Kenya has the rivers, the expertise, and the national ambition. What is required now is sustained investment, policy focus, and innovative financing to unlock the full capacity of hydropower. By prioritizing the development of new high-capacity dams and enhancing existing water infrastructure, the country can secure an energy future strong enough to power industries, drive economic growth, and uplift livelihoods in every county. If Kenya is to achieve its goal of becoming a regional industrial powerhouse, then harnessing the power of dams is not simply an option — it is a necessity.  

Home Technology Construction Energy Housing & Finance Transport Interior Design Magazine Modern Builder 2nd Edition 2025 EAST AFRICAN MODERN BUILDER FOURTH EDITION 2024 EAST AFRICAN MODERN BUILDER 2023 FOURTH EDITION Home Technology Construction Energy Housing & Finance Transport Interior Design Magazine Modern Builder 2nd Edition 2025 EAST AFRICAN MODERN BUILDER FOURTH EDITION 2024 EAST AFRICAN MODERN BUILDER 2023 FOURTH EDITION Kenya stands tall as one of Africa’s pioneers in geothermal energy. From the steaming fields of Olkaria to the promising grounds of Menengai, the country has tapped deep into the earth to draw out clean, reliable, and sustainable energy. This progress is worth celebrating, but it also calls for careful planning to ensure that geothermal energy becomes a lasting solution, not just a short-term success. Geothermal energy is one of the few power sources that works around the clock. Unlike solar or wind, it doesn’t rely on sunshine or breezes. This reliability makes it perfect for powering industries, schools, and homes without interruption. As Kenya continues to seek energy independence and reduce its reliance on costly fossil fuels, geothermal stands out as a smart and sustainable option. However, to make the most of this resource, the government must think long-term. Strategic planning is essential — from mapping new potential sites and training skilled technicians, to building modern infrastructure that can handle large-scale production. Without strong policies and coordination, geothermal development could face delays, wastage, or uneven benefits. Another crucial aspect is involving local communities. The people living near geothermal sites should not just witness development they should benefit from it. Fair compensation, job opportunities, and social projects such as schools and health centers can build trust and ensure that energy growth goes hand in hand with community progress. At the same time, partnerships with private investors and international energy experts should be encouraged. Transparent policies and investment-friendly environments can attract funding, technology, and innovation, which are vital for expanding the country’s geothermal capacity.

In a significant stride towards achieving 100% renewable energy, KenGen, Kenya’s leading energy company, is poised to construct a colossal wind farm in Marsabit, a region in northern Kenya, with a staggering 1000 MW capacity. This ambitious endeavor represents a remarkable leap forward in the country’s pursuit of sustainability.   Reports from Bloomberg reveal that KenGen plans to secure funding for this monumental project by seeking debt financing to cover 75% of the total investment, while the remainder will be financed through equity. Although the specific cost of the project remains undisclosed, it is poised to surpass the 310 MW Lake Turkana Wind Farm, situated in the same Marsabit area, thus earning the distinction of being the largest wind farm on the African continent.   Furthermore, this endeavor solidifies Kenya’s stature as a global leader in renewable energy, with approximately 92% of the country’s current energy capacity already hailing from renewable sources like solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric dams. The envisaged 1000 MW wind farm is projected to be operational by 2028, two years ahead of Kenya’s ambitious target to achieve 100% renewable energy production.   To ensure the project’s success and cater to evolving demands, the wind farm’s development will be carried out in phases, guided by comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by the Agence Française de Dévelopement. These studies will factor in considerations such as increased capacity requirements and grid security.   This initiative aligns with KenGen’s revamped corporate strategy, which aims to augment the national grid by an impressive 3,000 MW within the coming decade. This expansion will effectively double the country’s existing installed generation capacity to reach 6,000 MW.   In addition to pioneering the wind farm, KenGen is actively pursuing plans for the refurbishment of its existing power plants, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability for long-term electricity generation. This forward-looking approach includes the integration of advanced technology and environmentally friendly practices to reduce the environmental footprint of power generation.   The company is embarking on a remarkable project, with an estimated budget of Sh110 billion, to establish an expansive energy park at Olkaria in Naivasha, Nakuru County. This industrial park, set to commence construction in 2025, will cater to various industries, including those involved in fertilizer production, iron and steel manufacturing, textiles, food and beverage processing, and more. The project will occupy a sprawling 1,824 hectares within the Olkaria geothermal hub, with an anticipated completion date in 2045.   KenGen’s dynamic approach to sustainable energy underscores its unwavering commitment to powering a greener, more prosperous future. The company’s continuous innovation, investment in renewable energy, and commitment to environmental responsibility position it as a driving force in Kenya’s journey towards energy sustainability and economic growth. KenGen’s ambitious projects, such as the Marsabit wind farm and the Olkaria energy park, not only benefit the nation’s energy sector but also contribute significantly to local job creation and economic development.

Gulf based tech firm AHI Carrier, that offers modern and innovative heating, air conditioning and refrigeration integrated solutions has announced its plan to set a base in the country, geared towards data centers venture. A data center is a sizable cluster of connected computer servers that is often utilized by businesses to process, store, or distribute vast volumes of data remotely. According to the firm’s regional business manager Ajay Garg, the strategic move is in line with the company’s expansion bid while leveraging Kenya’s robust digital industry with the rise in data centers demand. “The rise in demand for data centers in Kenya provides an excellent opportunity for the carrier solutions to emerge prominently as a leading provider of extensive data center solutions,” Garg said. “We want to showcase our proficiency in high-density, energy-efficient cooling solutions, air cooling systems, and the seamless integration of data centers into smart city infrastructures. Our ultra-high efficiency, low global warming potential chillers are specifically designed to cater for diverse capacity requirements of all data centers.” The announcement comes at a time the country is wooing international tech giants with green energy data centers in the race towards sustainability goals 2030. The potential for Kenya to attract technology companies with environment-friendly data centers has been described to be immense in the recent past. More than 70 per cent of Kenya’s grid power is from green energy, which means that firms that set up business in Kenya already have a head-start in terms of meeting their sustainability objectives. The greening of Kenya’s grid is courtesy of geothermal power, a renewable energy source that is turning into a magnet for firms on a mission to decarbonise. In line with this, the firm affirmed that it plans to tap in the market by offering state-of-the-art data center solutions, to empower businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. “This comes on the backdrop of the government’s enactment of a data protection act to safeguard and protect people’s and company’s data where they have seen a surge in many firms racing to comply with data protection requirement laws,” Garg added. He reiterated that the carrier solutions will contribute to the growth of data in the region as it will be driven by digital transformation, emerging fintech solutions, and overall infrastructure success. Carrier Solutions stands as the premier provider of comprehensive data center solutions, specializing in design, construction, and consultancy services. With a strategic focus on high-density cooling solutions, air cooling systems, and smart city data center integration, Carrier Solutions is dedicated to charting new standards of excellence in Kenya’s data center industry. AHI Carrier FZC (AHIC) is a fully owned subsidiary of Air-Conditioning & Heating International which became a Carrier Joint Venture Company on December 18th, 2008. The partnership between Carrier and AHI dates back to December 1997 when the first agreement was signed for distribution of Carrier products in Russia and CIS countries. In 1999, Carrier and Toshiba Air-conditioning entered into a joint venture and the Toshiba range of air-conditioning products was added for distribution in AHIC territories and in 2000, AHIC distribution rights were expanded to include East and Central Africa. Today, AHI Carrier FZC is the largest Carrier joint venture company outside the USA and has operations in 108 countries spanning 5 continents. AHI Carrier’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations by offering energy efficient products with cutting edge technology, the highest levels of quality and market leading after sales service has enabled it to achieve a significant and satisfied customer base since its inception.      

KenGen is spearheading a major expansion in Kenya’s renewable energy sector with a Sh32.2 billion investment in the Olkaria VII Geothermal Power Plant. This new facility, situated within the Olkaria geothermal field in Naivasha, is set to add 80.3 megawatts (MW) to the national grid. The Olkaria VII project is a central component of KenGen’s strategy to enhance its renewable energy capacity by an impressive 3,000 MW over the next decade. Once operational, the new plant will increase KenGen’s geothermal capacity from 799 MW to 879.3 MW, moving the company closer to its target of 1,000 MW for the Olkaria zone. According to KenGen’s regulatory filings, the plant will utilize steam to generate an estimated output of 80.3 MW. The project involves drilling 19 wells at a site located 220 meters from the southern boundary of Hell’s Gate National Park, following an evaluation of seven potential sites within the Olkaria field. KenGen emphasizes that Olkaria VII will play a crucial role in stabilizing Kenya’s power supply and reducing reliance on costly thermal power sources, which are planned for phase-out by 2035. The company has warned that failing to proceed with this project could lead to a power deficit of 65 to 100 MW. The environmental impact of the project is also significant. According to West Japan Engineering Consultants Inc., the Olkaria VII plant will reduce CO2 emissions by replacing electricity produced by fossil fuel-fired power plants. The project is projected to generate up to Sh3.77 billion annually in carbon credits. KenGen currently earns carbon credits from six other power projects, including Olkaria IAU, Olkaria II, Olkaria IV, Tana, Kiambere, and Ngong. The investment in Olkaria VII, along with other geothermal initiatives, underscores KenGen’s role in advancing Kenya’s renewable energy goals. In addition to Olkaria VII, KenGen is developing three other geothermal projects that will collectively add 326 MW to its geothermal output. These include the Olkaria I Rehabilitation (6 MW), Olkaria IV and IAU Uprating (40 MW), and the Olkaria Public-Private Partnership project (140 MW). These efforts will bring the total geothermal capacity in the Olkaria zone to nearly 1,000 MW. KenGen’s revenue grew by 14% to Sh53.964 billion for the year ending June 2023. The company’s investment in new projects and upgrades reflects its commitment to increasing its generation capacity and solidifying its position in the energy sector

Bifacial solar panels, an innovation that once struggled to gain traction, are now poised to transform the solar energy industry. Thanks to recent advancements in heterojunction technology (HJT), these two-sided panels are being heralded as a breakthrough in the quest for more efficient renewable energy. The Rise of Bifacial Panels Traditional solar panels have been the mainstay of renewable energy, converting sunlight into electricity with increasing efficiency over the years. However, these panels capture light on only one side, which limits their overall energy output. Bifacial solar panels, on the other hand, are designed to absorb light from both the front and back, potentially doubling the amount of energy they can generate. This innovative design makes use of light reflected from surfaces like snow, sand, or even the white roofs of buildings, providing an extra boost in power production. Despite their potential, bifacial panels were initially hindered by high production and installation costs, which kept them out of reach for many consumers. A Technology Reborn The revival of bifacial panels can be credited to advancements in heterojunction technology. Pioneered in the 1980s by Sanyo, this technology combines two types of silicon—crystalline and amorphous—to create a more efficient solar cell. Crystalline silicon captures low-energy photons, while amorphous silicon captures high-energy photons, resulting in greater overall efficiency. Recent developments have pushed these efficiencies even further. Italian energy company 3Sun EGP demonstrated in 2020 that their bifacial HJT modules could exceed 24.5% efficiency. Since then, manufacturers like China’s Maysun have introduced panels that achieve over 25% efficiency, thanks to larger cells and tougher glass. Applications and Advantages The new generation of bifacial panels is particularly suited to environments with high reflectivity, such as snowy regions or deserts. In these settings, the panels can capture additional light from the ground, significantly increasing their energy output. Even in urban areas, bifacial panels installed on rooftops can harness reflected light from surrounding surfaces, making them a versatile solution for various locations. Agriculture is another promising field for bifacial panels. By installing them above crops, farmers can generate electricity while still allowing sunlight to reach their plants. This dual-purpose approach not only improves land use but also provides a sustainable energy source for rural communities. Challenges and Future Prospects Despite their advantages, bifacial panels still face challenges, primarily due to their higher costs. The most efficient versions, which use glass on both sides, are also the heaviest and most expensive. However, as production scales up and technology advances, costs are expected to decrease, making bifacial panels more accessible. In addition, the integration of smart algorithms is helping to optimize the performance of these panels. Companies like Soltec are developing software that calculates the ideal angle for panels based on real-time light data, maximizing energy capture and ensuring efficient operation. Bifacial solar panels, once an overlooked technology, are now on the cusp of widespread adoption. With their ability to generate more energy and their suitability for various environments, these panels represent a significant step forward in the global shift towards renewable energy. As the industry continues to innovate and drive down costs, bifacial panels could soon become a common sight in solar installations around the world Caption. Traditional solar panels have been the mainstay of renewable energy, converting sunlight into electricity with increasing efficiency over the years.

Which is the right lighting for your room? Choosing the right lighting improves and promotes productivity, makes you comfortable and at peace. Everyone has a craving to relax and to be comfortable in their own space, which is why you need to invest in proper lighting, it creates a bond between people, and brings happiness as it enhances closeness among people. Think about having the right light in your bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, study. Good moods will be enhanced. Light fixtures can end up being the focus point in a room. How one physically feels in a room greatly depends in lighting. Minimal, quality light is recommended. Too much light can be dangerous. Both natural and artificial light should be taken into consideration when designing your space. Matching light levels to the work being done is important, you need the right quality and right amount of light. You need a brightly lit cooking space- kitchen and not so bright light for reading, a lamp would be good. Lighting is so powerful and can be used to manipulate space and hence affect the feeling in the space. It also affects how we interpret textures and colours, but only if it is done properly.      

Biogas continues to be mentioned as a cost effective, clean, green energy that is a most preferred alternative to turn to as a result of the increase in price of fuel leading to exaggerated cost of cooking gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas. (LPG). It is however limited since not everyone can benefit from it as the gas majorly depends on regular distribution of waste products from domestic animals like cow dung, pig droppings. This makes zero-grazing, dairy and pig farmers to fully and easily benefit from the option as they get the raw materials free of charge. The readily available clean, green energy is only costly at the initial stages of installation of bio-digester receptacles up to the houses which is a one-time procedure and cannot be compared to the cost of petroleum gas or cooking gas. The bio-digester is the receptacle that stores the methane gas produced from animals’ wastes. Biogas is eco-friendly, reduces soil and water pollution, it involves the use of few technological advances, hence not complicated to use. Improper installation of the bio-digester receptacle can however lead to blowing up with severe damages which can be prevented and cannot be compared to its cost effectiveness. Since farming is wide spread across the world, methane use from farming activities is highly encouraged to help solve the problem of green waste in markets. The effluent from bio- digesters can still be used as manure hence nothing goes to waste, the soil also benefits and gains fertility. There are companies in Kenya that deal with installation of bio-digester receptacles hence this is not a new concept in Kenya. Citizens and institutions are however urged to use biogas for clean energy and even if they do not have free access to the animals’ wastes, they can get them from nearby slaughter houses at a fee. Citizens and farmers who have been using biogas for cooking and lighting have greatly benefited and do not have any regrets of using it. They have no dream of turning back to other sources of energy. The merits outweigh the demerits and since nobody wants to spend more money on cooking and petroleum gas, with the tough times brought to the economy by Covid-19, biogas is the immediate remedy, and one can get the raw materials free of charge. Kenya is making efforts to use clean energy like wind power and geothermal, farmers should therefore feel challenged to use little or no cost at all for energy and especially during these tough economic times of price increment in fuel products.  

In a significant stride towards achieving 100% renewable energy, KenGen, Kenya’s leading energy company, is poised to construct a colossal wind farm in Marsabit, a region in northern Kenya, with a staggering 1000 MW capacity. This ambitious endeavor represents a remarkable leap forward in the country’s pursuit of sustainability. Reports from Bloomberg reveal that KenGen plans to secure funding for this monumental project by seeking debt financing to cover 75% of the total investment, while the remainder will be financed through equity. Although the specific cost of the project remains undisclosed, it is poised to surpass the 310 MW Lake Turkana Wind Farm, situated in the same Marsabit area, thus earning the distinction of being the largest wind farm on the African continent. Furthermore, this endeavor solidifies Kenya’s stature as a global leader in renewable energy, with approximately 92% of the country’s current energy capacity already hailing from renewable sources like solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric dams. The envisaged 1000 MW wind farm is projected to be operational by 2028, two years ahead of Kenya’s ambitious target to achieve 100% renewable energy production. To ensure the project’s success and cater to evolving demands, the wind farm’s development will be carried out in phases, guided by comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by the Agence Française de Développement. These studies will factor in considerations such as increased capacity requirements and grid security. This initiative aligns with KenGen’s revamped corporate strategy, which aims to augment the national grid by an impressive 3,000 MW within the coming decade. This expansion will effectively double the country’s existing installed generation capacity to reach 6,000 MW. In addition to pioneering the wind farm, KenGen is actively pursuing plans for the refurbishment of its existing power plants, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability for long-term electricity generation. This forward-looking approach includes the integration of advanced technology and environmentally friendly practices to reduce the environmental footprint of power generation. The company is embarking on a remarkable project, with an estimated budget of Sh110 billion, to establish an expansive energy park at Olkaria in Naivasha, Nakuru County. This industrial park, set to commence construction in 2025, will cater to various industries, including those involved in fertilizer production, iron and steel manufacturing, textiles, food and beverage processing, and more. The project will occupy a sprawling 1,824 hectares within the Olkaria geothermal hub, with an anticipated completion date in 2045. KenGen’s dynamic approach to sustainable energy underscores its unwavering commitment to powering a greener, more prosperous future. The company’s continuous innovation, investment in renewable energy, and commitment to environmental responsibility position it as a driving force in Kenya’s journey towards energy sustainability and economic growth. KenGen’s ambitious projects, such as the Marsabit wind farm and the Olkaria energy park, not only benefit the nation’s energy sector but also contribute significantly to local job creation and economic development.