KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga. File
Kenya’s transition to clean, renewable energy has reached a critical milestone with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) announcing 70 percent completion of its newest geothermal power plant at the Olkaria complex. The development is a significant step toward the country’s goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2030.
The Olkaria I expansion project, located in the volcanically active Rift Valley, will inject an additional 63 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy into the national grid upon completion, reinforcing Kenya’s global leadership in geothermal energy production.
KenGen, a state-owned energy firm listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), confirmed the arrival of two steam turbines and two generators for Units 2 and 3 of the power plant. The equipment, shipped from Japan earlier this year, arrived at the Port of Mombasa and has since been transported to the Olkaria site in time to support key construction timelines.
The final turbine and generator set for Unit 1 was dispatched in late May and is expected to arrive at the site before the end of June. Several other essential components have already been delivered and installed as construction enters its final stages.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga hailed the progress as a key achievement in the company’s ongoing mission to provide affordable, reliable, and green energy to Kenyans.
“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,” said Eng. Njenga.
He revealed that a dedicated team of 928 personnel including engineers, technicians, artisans, and general workers—is working round the clock under the leadership of General Manager for Business Development & Strategy Elizabeth Njenga and Design and Construction Manager Eng. Isaack Maina.
“We are now at 70 percent on the key project milestones and are confident to commission the first turbine by June 2026,” he added.
The Olkaria I expansion is part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes infrastructure and green energy to drive industrial growth and job creation. Once completed, the additional 63MW will elevate the installed capacity of the Olkaria I facility and bring Kenya closer to joining the exclusive club of countries producing over 1 gigawatt (GW) of geothermal power.
“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,” said Eng. Njenga.
He emphasized that the project aligns with Kenya’s environmental goals, noting: “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—preserving our planet for future generations while supporting economic development.”
As Africa’s leading producer of geothermal energy, Kenya has invested heavily in exploiting the geothermal-rich Rift Valley. The Olkaria geothermal complex has been at the heart of this transformation, supporting both national energy needs and environmental sustainability.
With the latest expansion, KenGen continues its legacy of innovation and clean energy leadership, helping to power Kenya’s future through homegrown, renewable solutions..