Tap Into Kenya’s Vast Geothermal Potential, Ruto Tells Investors

Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for increased investment in the country’s vast geothermal energy potential, highlighting that only a fraction of available resources have been utilized thus far.

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35-megawatt Orpower 22 Power Plant in Nakuru County’s Menengai region, Ruto emphasized that Kenya has tapped merely 950 megawatts of its estimated 10,000-megawatt geothermal capacity. Despite this limited utilization, Kenya has already established itself as the world’s sixth-largest producer of geothermal power. The president calls on private sector stakeholders to capitalize on the remaining untapped potential, emphasizing the government’s readiness to collaborate with investors in developing these resources. The Menengai plant, once operational, promises to deliver power at a competitive rate of Sh8 per kilowatt-hour, substantially below the cost of fossil fuel alternatives.

“I want to encourage other investors that there is still immense opportunity in the geothermal resources of Kenya. We have just touched less than 10 per cent. We have a whole 90 per cent to go and the government of Kenya is ready and willing and prepared to work with the Private Sector to unlock this potential,” Ruto said.

In light of escalating fuel prices and growing climate change concerns, Ruto emphasizes the importance of renewable energy investments. The Menengai geothermal project represents a crucial component of Kenya’s broader energy diversification strategy, aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels while ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply. The country’s geothermal resources are predominantly located within the Rift Valley region. Kenya has emerged as a pioneer in African geothermal development, with the Olkaria Geothermal Plant standing as one of the world’s largest facilities.

This successful venture has attracted both domestic and international investment interest thus paving the way for future developments. Key institutions such as the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) have spearheaded exploration and development efforts, fostering partnerships with private sector entities to harness these valuable resources. Beyond energy production, geothermal development projects generate employment opportunities and stimulate growth in adjacent industries such as manufacturing and services