Kenya’s drive toward a 100% clean energy future received a major boost this week as the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) announced the arrival of critical equipment for its newest geothermal power plant at the Olkaria geothermal complex.
The planned Olkaria I project, located in the geologically active Rift Valley, is expected to add
63MW of renewable energy to the national grid once completed, further cementing Kenya’s
reputation as a global leader in geothermal energy production.
KenGen said in a statement that two steam turbines and two generators destined for Units 2 and
3 of the facility have been successfully delivered to the project site after being shipped from
Japan earlier this year. The equipment, which arrived through the Port of Mombasa, was
transported to Olkaria in time to meet key construction milestones.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, KenGen
Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Peter Njenga said: “The timely arrival and installation of these
critical components mark an important step in our mission to deliver affordable, reliable, and
green energy to the people of Kenya.”
He added: “We have a large team of 928 people including elite project engineers, technicians,
foremen, artisans, and general workers, led by the General Manager, Business Development &
Strategy, Elizabeth Njenga and the Design and Construction Manager, Eng. Isaack Maina
working day and night to deliver the project ahead of time and on budget. We are now at 70%
on the key project milestones and are confident to commission the first turbine by June 2026.”
Eng. Njenga went on to state: “This project is a major boost to our solid reputation built over the
years in provision of renewable energy solutions and demonstrates the significant role
geothermal power continues to play in securing Africa’s energy future.”
When commissioned, the Olkaria I expansion is expected to improve electricity reliability getting
Kenya closer to its 100% clean energy target by 2030 as the East African nation works to phase
out use of fossil fuels for energy generation.
“We are conscious about our carbon footprint and that is why we are deliberate about our focus
on green energy projects which are not only climate-sensitive but are also sustainable thereby
preserving our planet for future generations while supporting economic development,” said Eng.
Njenga.
Well head generators at Olkaria (Kengen)
The Olkaria I project falls under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda
(BETA), which emphasizes the role of infrastructure and green energy in job creation and
industrial development. Kenya is already Africa’s largest producer of geothermal energy, with
much of its power derived from the volcanic Rift Valley. Olkaria has been central to these efforts,
with several power stations contributing to the country’s energy mix.
The addition of the 63MW will bring the installed capacity of Olkaria I to new heights and
continue over seven decades legacy of homegrown innovation and investment in clean energy.
This will bring Kenya close to joining the elite 1GW club of largest geothermal producers.