NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is charging full steam ahead—literally—towards its clean energy goals, following the arrival of critical equipment for its newest geothermal power plant at the iconic Olkaria complex in the Rift Valley.
On Wednesday, the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm announced the successful delivery of two massive steam turbines and generators for Units 2 and 3 of the Olkaria I expansion project.
The components, shipped from Japan, are now on-site, marking a pivotal step in a project already 70pc complete.
And there’s more on the way.
The final batch—equipment for Unit 1—was dispatched in late May and is currently en route to Mombasa.
KenGen expects the shipment to reach the Olkaria site before the end of June, aligning with the company’s plan to commission the first turbine by June 2026.
Once complete, the new plant will inject an additional 63 megawatts of geothermal power into Kenya’s national grid, reinforcing the country’s dominance as Africa’s geothermal powerhouse.
That’s no small feat, especially as Kenya edges closer to its bold ambition: 100pc clean energy by 2030.
Kenya’s commitment to green energy is about doing so smartly, sustainably, and in a way that sets a continental benchmark.
The country already holds the title of Africa’s largest geothermal energy producer, with the volcanic Rift Valley offering a natural edge in tapping clean, subterranean steam.
And the Olkaria complex? It’s the crown jewel. With multiple geothermal plants already online, this latest expansion pushes the Olkaria I facility toward elite territory.
The 63MW boost inches Kenya closer to the global 1GW club of geothermal giants.
As the final turbine sets sail for the Rift Valley, Kenya’s green energy revolution shows no sign of slowing down. And for a country betting big on geothermal, the odds—and the steam—are definitely in its favor.
