Nairobi: Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has onboarded its fifth investor at its green energy park in the geothermal-rich Olkaria fields in Naivasha, ushering in a new investment portfolio worth billions of shillings. The multi-billion shilling investments come as part of KenGen’s strategy to harness clean energy sources, particularly geothermal power, to meet the rising electricity demand driven by increased investments in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, KenGen has embarked on a strategy to generate 5,500 MW of power from green energy sources. The company plans to double its geothermal power production from the current 754 MW to 1,500 MW by 2034 through public-private partnerships. This move is aimed at exploring more power sources, especially geothermal, to meet the peak electricity demand, which has reached 2,550 MW, the highest recorded.
KenGen CEO Eng. Peter Njenga outlined the company’s plans to rehabilitate old power stations and explore new geothermal fields in the power-rich Rift Valley areas. Njenga announced an additional 63 MW would be generated from the rehabilitation of the Olkaria 1 power plant. The company also plans to tap extra megawatts from its Olkaria fields, Eburru, Suswa, and Longonot, which hold significant potential for green energy production.
During a signing ceremony with the new investor in Olkaria Naivasha, Njenga revealed that Maxim Agri and Samakgro Limited would invest Sh2.6 billion in a fish feed production facility at the green energy park. The park, spanning over 8,000 acres, has attracted investments in sectors such as data centres, electric mobility, green fertilizer, and steel production. It has been declared a customs-controlled area under special economic zone status, providing tax incentives for investors.
Njenga emphasized that all investors would benefit from 100 percent steady green energy and an adequate water supply, with critical infrastructure already in place at the park. He noted that the initiative would accelerate Kenya’s journey toward sourcing 100 percent of its power from green energy sources. The CEO highlighted that Kenya is a leader in geothermal production in Africa and ranks seventh globally, with expertise being expanded to other countries.
Maxim Agri and Samakgro Limited’s Director Joachim Wersterveld announced a commitment of USD 8 million in the first phase and an additional USD 12 million for fish feed production powered by clean energy. The plant, operational within the next five months, will produce 65 metric tonnes of fish feeds, catering to the growing demand in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
KenGen Commercial Services Manager Kibet Ronoh welcomed the investors, highlighting that geothermal energy provides a resilient and steady power supply to drive investments. Ronoh emphasized the role of geothermal energy in powering economies, households, and industries through clean energy, creating sustainable jobs and livelihoods. KenGen currently has an installed generation capacity of 1,786 MW, predominantly from renewable sources, including hydro, geothermal, and wind.
