Home > Agriculture, Environmental Sciences > Vol 1 No 1 December 2012 Abstract 4
Vulnerability of Hydro-Electric Energy Resources in Kenya Due to Climate Change Effects: The Case of the Seven Forks Project
Mr. Martin M. Bunyasi
Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 1(1), pp. 36-49.

Abstract
This paper examines the impacts of climate change on hydroelectric resources in Kenya, with a focus on the seven forks hydroelectric project. Dam construction and water development projects create complex wideranging ecological and environmental effects. While the design and characteristics of each hydropower plant play a vital role in determining its vulnerability; comparative resilience of individual reservoirs to the climate change effects are vital in determining reproach strategies. Masinga dam, commissioned in 1981 and the largest of the Seven Forks Hydro Electric Power (HEP) project was focal in the study; its most essential roles are to regulate water flow into subsequent dams and control downstream flooding of Tana system. Seven Forks supplies about 55% of Kenya’s hydrogenerated energy (Masinga - 40, Gitaru – 225, Kiambere – 168, Kindaruma – 72, and Kamburu – 100 MW respectively). The research utilized both primary and secondary data. Data analysis methods utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics. The research findings indicated that the catchment temperature is rising by 0.020C annually, the rains are declining by 3.9 mm annually, Masinga reservoir inflow is dropping by 0.74 cumecs annually, and thus the average power output operates below capacity by up to 16 GW Hour annually. This drastically affects HEP generation levels and operation of the Seven Forks power project.

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Bunyasi, M. Mr. Martin. (2012). Vulnerability of Hydro-Electric Energy Resources in Kenya Due to Climate Change Effects: The Case of the Seven Forks Project. Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 1(1), pp. 36-49.

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Mr. Martin M. Bunyasi
Geo-Environmental Specialist
P. O Box 298 - 30200
Kitale, Kenya