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.