Kenya’s National Treasury has launched a formal search for consultants to lead the transaction advisory phase for several high-priority energy and infrastructure developments. This move represents a significant opening for global firms specialised in hydropower engineering and public-private partnership frameworks to engage with Kenya’s goal of reaching a 100% renewable energy grid by 2030.
New tenders for transaction advisory services
The State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management is currently accepting proposals to provide strategic guidance on several key power sites. The specific opportunities for hydropower specialists include the following:
- Kibuka (High Grand) Falls hydropower and irrigation dam project: The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 18 March 2026, with a final closing date of 15 April 2026.
- Karura 90 MW hydropower dam: The pre-bid meeting will take place on 19 March 2026, and the tender closes on 16 April 2026.
Beyond these water-based projects, the government is also seeking advisors for the Dongo Kundu LNG power plant and expansion efforts for the Konza smart city.
Key project overviews
1. High Grand Falls (Kibuka Falls) hydropower project
This multipurpose installation on the Tana River is set to become one of the most substantial hydropower assets in Africa and serves as a pillar of Kenya's long-term energy strategy. The facility is expected to produce a generation capacity ranging from 700 MW to 1,000 MW. Its design is massive in scope, incorporating a 115-metre-high dam structure and a reservoir with a storage capacity of 5.6 billion cubic metres. The project is designed to serve multiple functions, including large-scale agricultural irrigation and regional flood management, offering a complex landscape for firms with expertise in integrated water resource management.
2. Karura hydropower project
The Karura project, while more modest in size compared to High Grand Falls, plays a vital role in optimising the existing Tana River cascade. It has a projected generation capacity of 90 MW. The primary objective of this project is to provide the national grid with reliable mid-merit or base-load power by capturing the downstream flow generated by the established Seven Forks hydro stations.
Importance for the sector
Kenya’s energy sector is rapidly evolving as the country pivots towards a green hydrogen economy and a fully renewable power mix. These projects offer consultants the security of high-level government backing through the National Treasury and the PPP Directorate. Additionally, the Kenyan energy market has a strong track record of attracting risk-mitigation support from major institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank. From a technical perspective, these developments will require advanced expertise in sediment control, hydrological risk assessment, and complex environmental compliance.
