Kenya has made significant advancements in geothermal energy production, tapping into the country’s vast geothermal resources to provide a sustainable and reliable energy supply. This ambitious shift toward renewable energy is part of the country’s broader goal to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate its development in line with the global transition to greener energy solutions.
Kenya’s geothermal energy potential is largely centered around the East African Rift Valley, which is rich in geothermal activity. The country’s geothermal power generation began in the early 1970s, and since then, several major geothermal fields have been developed to meet the rising demand for clean energy.
One of Kenya’s first geothermal fields, Olkaria, has played a pivotal role in the country’s geothermal success. Located in the Great Rift Valley, Olkaria has been operational since 1972 under the management of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). With several expansion phases, Olkaria has grown to become the largest geothermal power plant in Kenya. It generates hundreds of megawatts of electricity, making it a cornerstone of the national grid and a model for other geothermal projects in the region. The Olkaria geothermal complex continues to evolve, expanding its capacity and solidifying its role in Kenya’s renewable energy mix.
Another important field in Kenya’s geothermal portfolio is Eburru, which began its operations in 1984. Also managed by KPLC, the Eburru geothermal field serves as a smaller but critical contributor to the national energy supply. Situated in Nakuru County, it has helped diversify the country’s energy sources and demonstrated the viability of geothermal energy in different parts of the Rift Valley.
However, it was in the 21st century that Kenya took a more aggressive stance in exploiting its geothermal resources. In 2010, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) was established with the goal of increasing geothermal production in Kenya. One of the GDC’s most notable achievements was the development of the Menengai geothermal field, which began operation in 2010. Menengai has since become a significant player in the country’s geothermal generation, and its expansion is ongoing. The Menengai project has attracted significant investment and expertise, contributing to a substantial increase in Kenya’s energy capacity.
In addition to Olkaria, Eburru, and Menengai, the GDC has been actively exploring new geothermal fields to further bolster Kenya’s renewable energy resources. Paka, located in the Baringo County area, has been a focus of geothermal exploration since 2018. The field has shown great promise in terms of energy production, and plans for expansion and development are already underway. In 2019, Korosi, another geothermal field in Baringo County, was explored, contributing to the country’s growing geothermal base. These explorations have not only helped increase energy supply but have also attracted international attention to Kenya’s geothermal potential.
One of the most recent additions to Kenya’s geothermal fields is Silali, commissioned in 2023. Silali is part of the GDC’s broader strategy to explore untapped geothermal resources in the country. The field, located in the North Rift region, is expected to contribute significantly to the national grid in the coming years, adding even more capacity to Kenya’s already impressive renewable energy generation.
Kenya’s geothermal energy projects highlight the country’s commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. By harnessing the power of the Earth’s natural heat, Kenya is able to provide its growing population with an energy source that is both sustainable and cost-effective. Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in the country’s energy mix, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of Kenya’s total electricity generation as of 2024.
These geothermal projects not only enhance Kenya’s energy capacity but also align with the country’s broader vision of sustainable development. By focusing on renewable energy, Kenya is contributing to the global fight against climate change while securing a cleaner, greener future for its people. The continued expansion and development of geothermal fields such as Olkaria, Menengai, Paka, and Silali will remain central to Kenya’s energy strategy and its goal of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030.
