Masinga Dam

Masinga Dam Water Levels Soaring: Villagers Urged to Relocate

KenGen's warning about the record high water levels at Masinga Dam has caused a buzz, urging villagers to relocate due to the threat of flooding. Read more!

Masinga Dam, managed by KenGen, has been thrust into the spotlight as its water levels hit a record high of 1058.22 meters above sea level on May 2, 2024. This surge in water levels, exceeding the full supply level of 1056.50 meters, has sparked concerns of potential flooding in lower Embu, Kitui, Garissa, Tana River, and Kilifi counties along the River Tana. The Ministry of Interior has issued warnings, emphasizing the need for villagers in the area to move to safer locations to avoid the brunt of the rising water. KenGen, however, reassures the public that despite the alarming levels, the dam is not at risk of bursting its banks during the heavy rains.

In response to the situation, KenGen's Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga, disclosed that the surge in water levels at Masinga Dam is directly linked to the ongoing heavy rains across the country. Due to this development, KenGen is taking proactive measures by considering raising the dam's height by 1.5 meters to accommodate more water, ensuring greater water storage capacity for the future. Currently, KenGen's hydroelectric power capacity at Masinga Dam stands at an impressive 826MW, representing a significant portion of the national installed capacity.

Interesting Fact: The current water levels at Masinga Dam are the highest ever recorded, prompting urgent relocation advisories to vulnerable villagers in the area. Furthermore, the plan to raise the dam's height by 1.5 meters showcases KenGen's commitment to adapting to changing environmental conditions and enhancing its water storage capabilities for sustainable energy production.