Kamburu Dam Explained

Kamburu Dam
Location Map:Kenya
Country:Kenya
Location:Embu County/Machakos County, Eastern Province
Coordinates:-0.8291°N 37.6679°W
Owner:Kenya Electricity Generating Company
Purpose:Power
Status:O
Construction Began:1971
Cost:US$47 million
Dam Type:Embankment
Dam Crosses:Tana River
Dam Length:730m (2,400feet)
Dam Height:52m (171feet)
Res Capacity Total:123000000m2
Plant Name:Kamburu Power Station
Plant Operator:Kenya Electricity Generating Company
Plant Hydraulic Head:82m (269feet)
Plant Turbines:3 x 31 MW Francis-type
Plant Capacity:93MW
Plant Commission:1974

The Kamburu Hydroelectric Power Station, also Kamburu Dam is a rock-filled embankment dam on the Tana River in Kenya which straddles the border of Embu and Machakos Counties in Eastern Province. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and it supports a 93 MW power station. Construction on the dam began in 1971 and it was completed in 1975, with the power station getting commissioned the same year. US$23 million of the US$47 million project cost was provided by the World Bank. The power station is operated by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company and is part of the Seven Forks Scheme.[1] [2]

The 52m (171feet) tall dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 123000000m2. The power station is located underground just below the left toe and contains three 31 MW Francis turbine-generators. The difference in elevation between the reservoir and power station affords a net hydraulic head of 82m (269feet). Water discharged from the power station travels down a 3040m (9,970feet) long tailrace tunnel before reaching the Tana at Gitaru Reservoir.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kamburu Power Station. Kenya Electricity Generating Company. 21 February 2015.
  2. Web site: Kenya - Kamburu Hydroelectric Project (English). World Bank. 21 February 2015.
  3. Web site: Kenya - Appraisal of the Kamburu Hydroelectric Project. World Bank. 21 February 2015. Annex 5. 31 May 1971.