The overdue expansion of Gogo Power Sub Station is set to begin in the new year.
The expansion will see an upgrade of the plant from the current two Mega watts to 8.6 Mega watts.
‘When the President visited us, we tabled 11 projects for consideration. We are glad that this is the ninth one to be actualized’-uriri mp mark nyamita
Area Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita confirmed that efforts are underway to have residents who ceded their land for the project compensated before the works begin.
The project is one of the several projects the MP vouched for during president William Ruto’s latest visit to the area.
“When the President visited us, we tabled 11 projects for consideration. We are glad that this is the ninth one to be actualized,” said Nyamita.
KenGen board chairman Alfred Agoi noted that the move marks a new chapter for the Gogo community, allowing landowners to transform their lives and contribute to regional progress.
“As we modernize the Gogo Hydropower Plant, we count on the continued support and collaboration of the community to achieve a shared vision of growth and prosperity,” said Agoi.
The leaders spoke in Uriri when they issued title deeds to residents of Gogo to enable them claim compensation for their parcels which may be consumed by the project.
Agoi said the firm has taken a monumental step in fostering sustainable development and community engagement by issuing 45 title deeds to the Gogo community in Uriri Constituency, Migori County.
By granting these families land ownership, Agoi said, they have empowered them and ensured security, paving the way for socio-economic growth.
The issuance of title deeds, he added, is critical for advancing the modernization of the Gogo Hydropower Plant, a key project in Kenya’s energy transformation journey.
Soon, he revealed, they will commence construction of the new power station, which seeks to replace the existing 2MW facility with a modern 8.6MW hydropower station.
Local contractors
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko implored upon the project implementors to consider local contractors for the works at the station as a way of empowering local residents.
“Migori too has very qualified contractors and we are looking forward to see them be part of this project,” he said.
Agoi said the initiative directly supports regional growth and aligns with Kenya’s sustainable energy agenda.
“Today’s achievement highlights the power of collaboration between KenGen, development partners, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the National Land Commission, and local leaders, among many other stakeholders,” he said.
These partnerships, he said, exemplify what can be achieved when stakeholders unite for the common good and the betterment of our people.
He said KenGen remains committed to balancing energy needs with community interests, demonstrating that sustainable development must include the people it impacts.
Sustainable development
According to KenGen Managing Director Engineer Peter Njenga, the project guided by the Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) will help cut down power outages, minimizing transmission losses, and decreasing reliance on thermal energy in the region.
The redevelopment of the Gogo Hydropower Plant will see a raise in the dam level by 1.5 meters and desilting the reservoir.
Njenga said it also involves the construction of a 450-meter tunnel, new spillway gates, and intake structures, as well as installing two 4.3MW turbines, generators, and transformers.
‘We are committed to delivering tangible benefits, including employment opportunities during construction, improved infrastructure, such as roads, school fences, and bridges over the Kuja and Oyani rivers and Economic opportunities for local businesses’-peter njenga, kengen managing director
Other aspects of the project, Njenga said, includes building a 26-kilometer dedicated transmission line to the Awendo Substation.
The total project cost of 38.8 million Euros, Njenga said, will be funded through 35 million Euros loan and 3.1 million Euros grant from KfW German Development Bank, with KenGen pumping in 679,245 Euros..
“We are in the final stages of negotiations with the National Treasury and KfW, and I am optimistic that construction will begin by September 2025,” he said.
“We are committed to delivering tangible benefits, including employment opportunities during construction, improved infrastructure, such as roads, school fences, and bridges over the Kuja and Oyani rivers and Economic opportunities for local businesses,” he added.
The MD said they are also exploring additional investments in education, water access, and healthcare to ensure this community thrives alongside our projects.
For over six decades, Njenga said, the Gogo community has been an invaluable partner in KenGen’s mission.
He said the land, entrusted to them, enabled the construction of the 2MW Gogo Hydropower Plant in 1958.
He noted that the title deeds issued was a testament to their enduring commitment to shared prosperity and inclusivity.
