Nairobi — Kenyans should brace for electricity rationing and higher bills as the Kenya Electricity Generating Company opts for expensive diesel engines.

Hydro-power generation at Masinga Dam was stopped as the water level had dropped below the recommended standard following prolonged drought.

The water is now being discharged to the next dam on the Seven Forks hydropower complex.

The Nation's visit to the dam on Wednesday confirmed that the water level at Masinga dam was at 1,034 metres above sea level - one-anda-a-half metres below the recommend minimum operating level.

The closed Masinga plant contributes 40 megawatts to the country's national grid of 1,200 megawatts.

According to KenGen Corporate Affairs Manager Mike Njeru, at the time of its closure, the dam was contributing only 14 megawatts to the national grid.

The future looks grim for the country's energy sector if the government does not fast-track its latest plan to turn into green energy and grow the country's electricity capacity to 2,000 megawatts by 2012.