NAIROBI: The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has unveiled an ambitious plan to add 1,500 megawatts (MW) of green energy to the national grid over the next decade. This initiative aims to solidify Kenya’s position as a leading producer and consumer of renewable energy, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation by reducing carbon emissions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya currently sources over 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, generating 1,726 MW from geothermal, wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This commitment positions Kenya as a leader in green energy production in Africa and ranks the country seventh globally. The government is determined to transition to 100 percent green energy by 2030. KenGen plans to raise over $4.3 billion (approximately KSh 556.8 billion) from key funding partners to support this initiative, which will include sourcing 800 MW from geothermal energy.
The strategy will be executed in collaboration with the Geothermal Developm
ent Corporation (GDC) to explore new geothermal sources, as Kenya is estimated to have a potential of 10,000 MW in geothermal energy. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi praised KenGen’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of green energy in driving Kenya’s economic and social development. The additional 1,500 MW will be achieved through the expansion of Olkaria’s sixth and seventh power plants, the refurbishment of the Olkaria One plant, and the expansion of solar and wind projects nationwide.
Rehabilitation of the Olkaria One plant in Naivasha is underway, expected to increase its capacity from 45 MW to 63 MW. Meanwhile, the revival of the Muhoroni gas turbine plant aims to add 60 MW to support industrial sectors and households in western Kenya. KenGen has already awarded a contract to a Chinese company for the Olkaria One project, slated for completion by 2026. The government has committed to reviving the Muhoroni plant to address frequent power blackouts in western Kenya due to system ov
erloads.
KenGen’s Managing Director, Peter Njenga, highlighted the current energy portfolio of 1,726 MW, comprising 754 MW from geothermal, 25 MW from wind, 120 MW from thermal, and 826.4 MW from hydro sources. The company plans to invest $4.3 billion over the next decade to bolster the national grid with additional green energy and establish 500 MW hours of storage to stabilize power transmission. Njenga added that KenGen is diversifying by assisting neighboring countries in geothermal exploration, potentially adding $2 billion to the company’s revenue over the next ten years.
Njenga also announced the establishment of a 740-acre green energy park in Olkaria, where investors can access 100 percent renewable energy to power their industries. Additionally, KenGen has secured a $1 billion investment for a Microsoft data center, aimed at transforming data storage for local and multinational companies. Board Chair Frank Konuche stated that the strategy aligns with KenGen’s commitment to expanding power generati
on through wind and solar sources, enhancing regional energy security, and achieving carbon neutrality.
Former KenGen managing director and current Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, indicated that the partnership between KenGen and GDC will explore investment opportunities for conservation and tourism in the Olkaria area. This includes potential eco-lodge developments to promote sustainable tourism and conservation, enhancing economic growth.