How Geothermal Power is Fueling Kenya’s Green Energy Ambitions

Geothermal Energy Unleashed, Powering Kenya’s Green Industrial Dream
Kenya is turbocharging its ambitious clean energy transition by harnessing the vast volcanic power simmering beneath the Great Rift Valley, positioning itself as a continental leader in geothermal technology. With over 90% of its electricity already generated from renewable sources, the country is now strategically leveraging this cheap, reliable geothermal power to attract a new wave of green industries and drive down industrial costs. This focused investment in subterranean energy is a cornerstone of the government’s plan to achieve 100% clean power by 2030 and fuel sustainable economic growth.
The focal point of this expansion is the Olkaria Geothermal Field, one of the largest geothermal complexes in the world. Here, the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is drilling deeper and deploying advanced technology to tap into super-heated steam reservoirs. This steam drives turbines, providing a consistent, weather-independent baseload power that is critical for industries, unlike the intermittency of solar and wind. This reliability is a key selling point for the government as it courts international investors in manufacturing and data centers, promising them not just green energy, but stable and affordable electricity.
The ripple effects are being felt across the economy. Access to low-cost geothermal power is a game-changer for our operational expenses, noted a manager at an industrial park in Naivasha, near the Olkaria fields. The government’s strategy has also opened doors for private sector investment, with independent power producers now being licensed to develop and operate new geothermal wells. This public-private partnership model is accelerating development and creating a competitive energy market, further driving down prices for consumers.
Looking ahead, Kenya’s geothermal ambitions extend beyond its own borders. The expertise honed at Olkaria has turned KenGen into a sought-after international consultant, with Kenyan engineers now advising on geothermal projects across East Africa and beyond. The long-term vision is to create a robust regional power grid, with Kenya as the geothermal hub. By betting big on the power beneath its feet, Kenya is not only securing its own energy independence but is also positioning itself to become a major exporter of clean power and technical knowledge in the years to come.