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KenGen Nearly Quadruples Energy Target to 5,500MW in Bold Leap

By Wanjiku Njeri 2 min read
KenGen Nearly Quadruples Energy Target to 5,500MW in Bold Leap

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) dramatically raised its long-term generation capacity target from 1,500 megawatts to 5,500 megawatts on June 29, 2026, nearly quadrupling its original ambition as it released its inaugural sustainability report at Karura Forest in Nairobi. The expanded pipeline is anchored by a planned 2,000-megawatt nuclear power programme and broadened geothermal, hydro, and solar projects.

5,500MW Target Unveiled

The inaugural sustainability report disclosed that 94.4% of KenGen's electricity dispatch during the reporting year came from renewable sources. The company also reported generating 6.9 million carbon credits, restoring 850 hectares of degraded land, and producing 887,220 tree seedlings, exceeding the annual target by seven percent.

What Comes Next

KenGen must convert the ambitious 5,500-megawatt headline into a detailed project pipeline, financing roadmap, and regulatory engagement plan. Progress on the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board's site selection studies will serve as the key indicator of whether the nuclear component is credible.

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