60MW clean energy generation, rural electrification support, employment creation, national grid contribution
Sondu-Miriu Hydroelectric Power Station
60MW run-of-river hydroelectric power station on the Sondu River, funded by Japan and operated by KenGen.
AnnouncedJanuary 1, 1997
StartedJanuary 1, 1999
Expected CompletionDecember 31, 2007
CompletedJanuary 1, 2009
Financials
Offering PriceKsh 9,000,000,000KES
Actual CostKsh 9,000,000,000KES
Cost Variance
Timeline
Construction Commenced
KenGen began construction of the hydropower station
Community Protests
Activist Argwings Odera stopped construction demanding proper compensation; was arrested and later fled to South Africa
Station Commissioned
60MW power station fully commissioned and connected to national grid
Eucalyptus Water Drainage Crisis
Thousands of eucalyptus trees planted by KenGen found to be draining the reservoir, threatening station operations
Scandals & Controversies
Community Protests
December 1, 2000Activist Argwings Odera stopped construction demanding proper compensation; was arrested and later fled to South Africa
Eucalyptus Water Drainage Crisis
January 1, 2018Thousands of eucalyptus trees planted by KenGen found to be draining the reservoir, threatening station operations
Contractors
KenGen
Developer and OperatorKenya Electricity Generating Company, 100% owner and operator
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
FinancierJapanese development bank providing primary project financing
Politicians Involved
Daniel Arap Moi
PresidentProject initiated during Moi presidency as national energy infrastructure
Benefits
Description
The Sondu-Miriu Hydroelectric Power Station is a 60MW run-of-river hydropower facility on the Sondu River at the border of Homa Bay and Kisumu counties. Unlike other Kenyan power stations, it does not have a major dam but relies on river flow with a small intake weir. Water is diverted through a 6.2km headrace tunnel and a surface-mounted penstock takes it down the Nyakach escarpment to the powerhouse. The KES 9 billion project was funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and developed by KenGen. Construction began in 1999 and the station was commissioned in 2007-2009. It has faced environmental challenges from eucalyptus trees draining its water reservoir.
Overview
Major hydropower contributor to Kenya's national grid, generating 330 GWh annually from western Kenya