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Water security and hydropower generation are key focus areas for the country’s electricity generator
Despite a forecast for dwindling rain in Kenya, the “strategic” management of its dams has proven crucial in providing a constant water supply as well as continuing to generate hydroelectricity.
Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has assured communities living downstream of the Seven Forks Dams that water flow in the Tana River will remain steady, even as the country faces reduced rains.
Measuring 1,000kms, the river is the longest in Kenya and according to UN data, eight million people live alongside it.
Tea, coffee, maize and other cash crops are grown for export, and cattle grazing and fishing provide major sources of food for large parts of the country’s population, said the UN.
Without intervention, the river could face severe depletion resulting from reduced rainfalls, affecting communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on its waters.
Offsetting effects of the dry season
KenGen said its deliberate move to implement a robust water management programme will ensure a steady generation of Hydroelectric Power (HEP) from its hydropower dams even as rains are forecast to subside.
The dry seasons in Kenya are generally from June to October and from December to March.
Keeping water levels at hydropower plants and dams in Kenya in check
The energy generator said the strategic management of its large dams in the Eastern Region plays a critical role in regulating water levels.
This ensures a consistent flow of the Tana River.
KenGen said that without these interventions, the river could face severe depletion resulting from reduced rainfalls, affecting communities, agriculture, and wildlife that depend on its waters.
“Kenyans should be happy to know that the hydro generation has remained strong, helping to stabilise the cost of power and the various roles of the Seven Forks Hydroelectric Complex, which, as we have said before, shields communities downstream from flooding during heavy rains by holding the bulk of the water,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga.
“Additionally, as we enter the reduced rains season, those who depend on water from the River should not be worried since we will be able to ensure steady flow of water from our dams.” |
