Determination of effects of climate change on hydropower generation at Kamburu dam-Kenya.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of climate change on hydropower generation at Kamburu Dam, Kenya. Kamburu power plant has been experiencing low volumes of water with the shortage of rainfall from its catchment area. This study primarily utilised rainfall and temperature data, as well as field survey data collected through questionnaires. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, photography, checklists, and observation guides. Secondary data sources included Kengen and the meteorological department's annual reports. The study used simple stratified sampling. The four villages of the Kivaa sub-location were sampled into 20 households, making a total of 80 households; Kengen and meteorological stations sampled every 10 respondents to make a total of 100 respondents. Collected data from the questionnaires were coded and analysed using SPSS 29. The results of this research showed that the area experiences increasing temperatures of 0.044? every year and decreasing rainfall of 0.5897mm every year. The research forecasted a decadal increase in temperature of 0.44? and a decadal decrease in rainfall of 5.897mm. The research also showed a decrease in hydropower of 18,790MWH every year, translating to a decadal decrease of 187,790MWH. The research concluded that climate change has greatly affected hydropower production at the Kamburu Dam power plant. The research recommends afforestation and re-afforestation activities, putting rules and regulations of watershed management, upgrading the Kamburu dam infrastructure to fit climate-resilient, expanding the capacity of the dam, and energy storage, among others.