Small hydropower in Kenya
Hydropol, with the support of the Czech Republic Development Agency, is preparing to contribute to the development of small hydropower plants in Kenya
Hydropower plays a key role in Kenya’s path to energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. Thanks to a stable and renewable source of electricity, it not only ensures security of supply, but also supports economic development and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Czech company Hydropol wants to build on this potential and, with the support of the Czech Development Agency’s B2B Programme, is preparing the first concrete steps to invest in small hydropower plants in this East African country.
In recent years, Kenya has been trying to fully exploit its potential in the field of renewable energy sources. Hydropower plants form the cornerstone of the energy mix here – they are a stable and reliable source of electricity that helps cover the so-called base load of the grid. This means that even when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining, hydropower can continue to reliably supply households and industry. This reduces dependence on expensive and imported fossil fuels, the prices of which often fluctuate, which also affects the final price of electricity.
All this has not escaped the attention of the Czech company Hydropol, which has been specializing in the preparation and construction of small hydropower plants (SHPs) in East Africa for several years. Following its successful operation in neighboring Uganda, the company decided to focus on Kenya. Between 2021 and 2024, two pilot projects were prepared in Uganda – Cheptui (9.5 MW) and Mihunga (8.5 MW) – which are already approaching the construction phase. Hydropol wants to transfer this experience to the Kenyan environment.
“The importance of hydropower plants goes beyond energy production itself. The creation of new projects in this area brings jobs, infrastructure development and better living conditions for local residents. In addition, hydropower plants produce minimal emissions, which is in line with Kenya’s international climate commitments. This is precisely why they are becoming an important tool in the fight against climate change – both locally and globally,” says Jan Tošnar from Hydropol.
In February 2025, company representatives went to Kenya to map local conditions and assess whether it is possible to develop small hydropower plants successfully there. Their visit showed that Kenya offers a good basis for the implementation of such projects - however, it is necessary to thoroughly research the market, establish contacts with local partners, institutions and experts, and select suitable locations with sufficient water potential.
“The main goal for 2025 is to prepare a detailed analysis of the conditions for the preparation and implementation of SHP projects in Kenya. The analysis is intended to answer the questions of which locations have the best chance of connecting to the grid (such as so-called “greenfield” or already permitted projects ready for acquisition and implementation in the shortest possible time), and how complex the process of permitting and licensing projects is. An important part is also the potential for cooperation on the possible rehabilitation of existing power plants owned by the Kenyan energy company KenGen. Opportunities also exist in cooperation with tea growers and producers whose concessions include rivers suitable for the installation of smaller hydroelectric power plants. Developing contacts with relevant state institutions is an important part of the analysis,” explains Jan Tošnar.
Hydropol primarily focuses on so-called "run-of-river" power plants, i.e. small hydropower plants with an output of 1–15 MW that do not require the construction of dams or storage reservoirs. Thanks to this, they have minimal environmental impact and are economically efficient. This type of power plant could play a significant role in ensuring reliable access to electricity in remote areas of Kenya, where many people still live without access to energy.
The project has a business character – its goal is not the direct export of Czech technologies, but the development of a long-term presence on the Kenyan market. A successful analysis and the establishment of local partnerships could pave the way for the construction of specific power plants in the coming years. In addition to commercial success, the Czech company could also contribute to the development of infrastructure and environmental sustainability in a region that needs stable and affordable energy more than ever before.
