Lesson 1 of 4 ยท Form 4 Geography
Energy resources in Kenya
15 min
Renewable vs non-renewable
- Renewable: hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, biomass.
- Non-renewable: petroleum, coal, natural gas.
Hydro-electric power
The Seven Forks scheme on the River Tana: Masinga, Kamburu, Gitaru, Kindaruma and Kiambere. Turkwel Gorge on the Turkwel River. Needs a reliable river flow, a narrow valley, and hard rock for the dam.
Geothermal power
Steam from hot rocks in the Rift Valley. Olkaria near Lake Naivasha is the main field. Kenya is one of Africa's leading geothermal producers.
Wind
Lake Turkana Wind Power at Loiyangalani (Marsabit) and Ngong Hills.
Solar
Garissa solar plant; home systems in rural areas.
Petroleum
Imported crude and refined products through Mombasa; oil found in the Lokichar Basin, Turkana.
Energy crisis and conservation
- Causes: drought (low dam levels), rising oil prices, high demand.
- Solutions: energy-saving bulbs, solar water heaters, rural electrification, more geothermal and wind.
Key points to remember
- Seven Forks is on the River Tana
- Olkaria is the main geothermal field
- Lake Turkana Wind Power is at Loiyangalani
- Droughts lower hydro output
Test yourself
