Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is advancing its influence in Africa’s geothermal sector, aiming to leverage its extensive experience in geothermal energy to diversify revenue streams across the continent.
The company, known for its geothermal dominance in Kenya, is completing feasibility studies in Eswatini, with plans to move into the drilling phase if results are promising. Managing Director Peter Njenga noted the strong indicators for geothermal potential in Eswatini and said KenGen would begin drilling if the feasibility studies, scheduled for completion by December, confirm economic viability.
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Large-scale contract
KenGen is also expanding geothermal exploration in Zambia and fast-tracking a similar project in Tanzania, where drilling is expected to begin following positive feasibility outcomes. In Ethiopia, KenGen is executing a large-scale contract worth Sh7.6 billion to drill geothermal wells for the Ethiopia Electric Power (EEP) Company. Since 2021, KenGen has been involved in a Sh700 million geothermal drilling project in Djibouti, underscoring its regional commitment.
Kenya leads Africa in geothermal capacity, with KenGen providing approximately 713 MW out of the country’s total installed capacity of 863 MW. Kenya’s Rift Valley region, with an estimated geothermal potential of 10,000 MW, positions the country as a major player in Africa’s renewable energy sector, as KenGen continues to explore and develop geothermal resources both domestically and regionally.
