By Michelle Ndaga
The government has revived plans to construct the 700-megawatt High Grand Falls Dam in Eastern Kenya at a projected cost of Ksh 340 billion, positioning the project as one of Africa’s largest hydroelectric developments.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira confirmed on Friday that a technical committee has been formed to oversee the project, which is expected to take five years to complete. The dam will be built across the Tana River near Kibuka Falls, straddling the Kitui and Tharaka-Nithi county borders.
Once operational, the dam is expected to generate enough electricity to significantly reduce Kenya’s reliance on power imports and help meet rapidly rising demand. Peak national electricity demand hit a record 2,392 MW in August, underscoring the need for additional capacity.
The project will also involve upgrading key transmission lines, including those from Olkaria to Nairobi, to ensure the grid can handle the increased power load.
Although the High Grand Falls project was previously terminated by the National Treasury in July 2025 over feasibility concerns, the government now says it is re-evaluating and moving forward under a revised plan.
Officials say the dam will play a central role in strengthening Kenya’s energy security, stabilizing electricity costs, and supporting industrial growth. Development partners are expected to back the project financially
