Power Stations in Kenya: A Comprehensive Overview

Kenya’s energy sector is diverse, drawing from geothermal, hydroelectric, fossil fuels, wind, and solar power stations. The country has made significant strides in expanding its energy infrastructure to meet its growing demand. In this article, we explore the various power stations in Kenya, categorized by their energy sources.

Geothermal Power Stations in Kenya

Geothermal energy is a critical component of Kenya’s power grid, especially due to the country’s strategic location along the Rift Valley. Below are key geothermal power stations contributing to the national grid:

1. Olkaria I Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°53′35″S 36°18′32″E
   • Capacity: 268.3 MW
2. Olkaria II Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°51′51″S 36°17′58″E
   • Capacity: 105 MW
3. Olkaria III Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°53′20″S 36°15′19″E
   • Capacity: 139 MW
4. Olkaria IV Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°55′05″S 36°20′04″E
   • Capacity: 140 MW
5. Olkaria V Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°53′59″S 36°21′02″E
   • Capacity: 158 MW
6. Akiira One Geothermal Power Station
   • Location: 00°56′00″S 36°18′00″E
   • Capacity: 70 MW (Planned)
7. Menengai I, II, III Geothermal Power Stations
   • Location: 00°11′35″S 36°04′12″E
   • Capacity: 35 MW each (In development)

Hydroelectric Power Stations in Kenya

Hydroelectric power is another major source of energy in Kenya, with several stations spread across the country:

1. Gitaru Hydroelectric Power Station
   • Location: 00°47′43″S 37°45′09″E
   • Capacity: 225 MW
   • Commissioned: 1999
2. Kiambere Power Station
   • Capacity: 165 MW
   • Commissioned: 1988
3. Kindaruma Hydroelectric Power Station
   • Location: 00°48′38″S 37°48′46″E
   • Capacity: 72 MW
   • Commissioned: 1968
4. Masinga Hydroelectric Power Station
   • Location: 00°53′21″S 37°35′40″E
   • Capacity: 40 MW
   • Commissioned: 1981
5. Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station
   • Location: 01°55′00″N 35°20′30″E
   • Capacity: 106 MW
   • Commissioned: 1991

Fossil Fuel Power Stations in Kenya

While Kenya has been moving toward renewable energy, fossil fuels still play a role in the national power grid:

1. Kipevu I Thermal Power Station
   • Location: 4°2′S 39°38′E
   • Type: Heavy fuel oil
   • Capacity: 63 MW
   • Commissioned: 1999
2. Tsavo Thermal Power Station
   • Location: 4°2′S 39°38′E
   • Type: Heavy fuel oil
   • Capacity: 75 MW
   • Commissioned: 2001
3. Thika Thermal Power Station
   • Location: 03°56′S 39°40′E
   • Type: Heavy fuel oil
   • Capacity: 87 MW
   • Commissioned: 2012
4. Biojoule Thermal Power Station
   • Location: 0°51′S 36°22′E
   • Type: Biogas
   • Capacity: 2.6 MW
   • Commissioned: 2015

Wind Power Stations in Kenya

Wind energy is gaining momentum in Kenya as a clean and sustainable energy source:

1. Ngong Hills Wind Power Station
   • Location: 01°22′52″N 36°38′08″E
   • Capacity: 25.5 MW
   • Commissioned: 1993
2. Lake Turkana Wind Power Station
   • Location: 02°43′33″N 36°48′06″E
   • Capacity: 310 MW
   • Commissioned: 2018
3. Kipeto Wind Power Station
   • Location: 01°43′09″S 36°41′40″E
   • Capacity: 100 MW
   • Commissioned: 2021

Solar Power Stations in Kenya

Solar energy is an increasingly important part of Kenya’s energy mix, with several projects underway:

1. Garissa Solar Power Station
   • Location: 00°18′58″S 39°41′53″E
   • Capacity: 55 MW
   • Commissioned: 2017
2. Malindi Solar Power Station
   • Location: 03°12′25″S 39°44′49″E
   • Capacity: 52 MW
   • Commissioned: 2022
3. Eldosol Solar Power Station
   • Location: 00°25′32″N 35°21′37″E
   • Capacity: 40 MW
   • Commissioned: 2021

KETRACO Electricity Access Projects

1. 5km 220kV Rabai – Malindi – Garsen – Lamu line (completed)
2. 482km 400/220kV Mombasa – Nairobi line (completed)
3. 103km 400kV Suswa – Isinya line and Nairobi Ring associated substations (partially completed)
4. 300km 220/400kV Olkaria –Lessos-Kisumu line
5. Mariakani 220/400kV substation
6. Eastern Electricity Highway Project system reinforcement – Isinya 400/220kV substation
7. 400/220kV substations in Kimuka, Gilgil and Lessos line
8. 205km 400kV Gilgil – Thika – Nairobi East – Konza – Isinya line
9. 196km 220kV Kamburu – Embu (Kutus) – Thika line
10. 111km 132kV Kabarnet-Rumuruti line 
11. 70km 132kV Menengai-Olkalou-Rumuruti line
12. 80km 132kV Machakos–Mwala–Ekalakala line
13. 75km 220kV Malindi–Weru-Kilifi line

Conclusion

Kenya’s energy landscape is diverse and rapidly expanding, with significant investments in renewable energy sources like geothermal, wind, and solar. The country’s commitment to growing its energy infrastructure positions it as a leader in clean energy in Africa. This list of power stations in Kenya showcases the range of technologies and capacities that power the nation’s homes, industries, and future growth.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited,
Kawi Complex, Block B,
South C, Nairobi, Kenya.

+254 20-4956000
+254 719 018000
+254 732 128000

[email protected]