President William Ruto has described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a bold affirmation of Africa’s ability to marshal its own resources and shape its destiny.
Speaking during the historic inauguration of the facility in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Region, President Ruto said the project, funded entirely by the Ethiopian people, represents more than just infrastructure, but a continental symbol of self-reliance and progress.
The dam is Africa’s largest hydropower plant with an estimated capacity of 6,450 megawatts.
The Head of State noted that for Kenya, the project offers immense promise, adding that Nairobi is ready to sign a power purchase agreement with Ethiopia to offtake surplus electricity.
According to him, this would help power industries, ICT hubs, manufacturing, and agro-processing in Kenya while strengthening competitiveness, creating jobs, and driving sustainable growth.
“No nation should be denied the chance to build such transformative assets because, with time, they become shared sources of prosperity,” President Ruto said.
At the same time, he acknowledged the differing perspectives among Nile Basin countries, reaffirming Kenya’s support for equitable use of shared waters.
He urged Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan to continue pursuing trilateral talks in good faith, stressing that dialogue and compromise remain the surest path to a fair agreement that safeguards prosperity and stability for all.
President Ruto joined fellow leaders in celebrating the inauguration, including Presidents Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley among others.
