The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has announced it has received the Cabinet's approval to proceed with the ambitious Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project. This decision was made during a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by His Excellency, President William Ruto.
The Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project, nestled along the banks of River Kuja in Migori County, is a forward-looking initiative that aims to enhance the dam's electricity generation capacity from its current 2MW to 8.6MW. This expansion project aligns with Kenya's commitment to clean energy and bolsters its efforts to meet the 100% clean energy targets set by the global climate action agenda.
"The Cabinet's approval of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project is a momentous milestone for the people of Western Kenya and a testament to the government's commitment to regional development,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen's Managing Director and CEO. “This project not only signifies progress in the energy sector but also holds the promise of economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods for our communities while contributing to our clean energy goals."
The existing Gogo power plant, which traces its origins back to 1958, has served its purpose well over the years. Still, it now grapples with frequent breakdowns and the challenges of sourcing spare parts due to its aging infrastructure. With the Cabinet's endorsement, the Gogo Project is poised to reinvigorate the reliability of power supply while spurring socio-economic activities across the entire Nyanza and Western Kenya Regions.
Western Kenya is no stranger to the vital role of power generation in the nation's development. The region is already home to several significant power plants, including the Sondu Miriu Hydropower Plant, generating 60MW, the Sang'oro Hydropower Plant with a capacity of 20MW, and the l Turkwel Hydropower Plant, boasting a 105MW capacity. These existing power facilities have been instrumental in meeting the region's energy needs and fostering economic growth.
