For decades, geothermal energy has been powering Kenya, quietly, steadily and almost invisibly. Now it is stepping into the global spotlight. The country will host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029. This marks a significant milestone for the geothermal sector, strategically demonstrating its rightful place not just in the national scheme of things, but also on the global stage. Kenya will be leading Africa in bringing the world to the continent.
But it was not a cakewalk. Kenya was competing against titans such as Germany and New Zealand. At home, there was Ethiopia which was giving the country a run for its money. But like a good marathoner, Kenya finished the race in style, clinching the honour.
And the win sparked a wave of excitement across the geothermal fraternity in Kenya.
The Government of Kenya is committed to providing all required support to make this a prestigious Congress. I look forward to participating in the handover ceremony during WGC 2026 in Calgary, Canada,” said Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
The WGC will find Kenya as a member of the prestigious geothermal gigawatt club. GDC has made this milestone a reality through the Menengai 105 MW project in Nakuru County. Kenya now has cemented its place on the map as a major geothermal player.
“Kenya has demonstrated that geothermal energy can power not just homes, but sustainable economic growth,” said Mr. Wandayi. “Hosting the World Geothermal Congress in Nairobi would be both a continental and global recognition of Africa’s leadership in renewable energy.”
And there is more to energy here- it is also about Kenya’s geothermal diplomacy as much as it is about geothermal tourism.
Hosting the congress will bring sharp global focus to the country. It will provide a platform to cut deals, attract researchers, partners, and financiers, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a strategic destination for MICE tourism. The more than 3,000 delegates expected to flock to Nairobi will also bring a considerable economic windfall. The hospitality and KenGen and is currently the CEO of Ethiopia Electric. The International Geothermal Association (IGA) hailed the country for its long-term vision on geothermal development. tourism sectors stand to benefit greatly.
Importantly, the congress will continue to elevate geothermal energy as a key diplomatic tool of soft power for Kenya. By showcasing its geothermal achievements to the world, the country will simultaneously be enhancing its global image.
“We have geothermal development models that are unique. GDC is credited, for instance, with championing steam sales. That way, it became reasonably easy to onboard private investors. Menengai therefore stands out as an icon of this innovative approach,” explains Mr. Isaac Kimani, an expert on energy.
Financing
GDC is also pursuing other financing mechanisms, such as onboarding strategic partners, a move that is set to scale up geothermal development. “As you can see, there is so much to appreciate in Kenya. The congress will also help spotlight these initiatives,” adds Kimani.
The congress will mainly take place at the UN offices in Gigiri, while delegates will also have an opportunity to visit sites such as the Paka Geothermal Project in Baringo County and the Menengai Geothermal Project.
“It’s an exciting moment for the country,” notes Mr. Stephen Busieney, the GDC Ag. MD and CEO, who is also the Vice Chairperson of GAK. “As a company, we’re fully invested in this congress. Internally, we have already set the ball in motion to prepare. 2029 might appear far away, but it really is not. That’s why we want to be ready and ensure that delegates also find value for money and time.”
And this news of hosting the congress created a buzz in the country and within geothermal circles. The tourism sector is already thinking about how to leverage the congress. Industry actors such as Mr. Eddy Njoroge consider the successful bid a recognition of Kenya’s leadership in geothermal development. Mr. Njoroge previously served as MD and CEO of KenGen and is currently the CEO of Ethiopia Electric.
The International Geothermal Association (IGA) hailed the country for its long-term vision on geothermal development.
“As an organization rooted in global collaboration, we are deeply proud that the World Geothermal Congress is heading to Africa for the first time. Kenya stands as a testament to what long term vision can achieve, and WGC 2029 will showcase the power and possibility of Africa’s geothermal future,” commented Dr. Mart Brommer, Chief Executive Officer of IGA.
This hosting is a reward, and indeed an acknowledgement, of the commitment Kenya has made to geothermal energy. Kenya is the only country in Africa producing geothermal power at scale, currently standing at 1010 MW. But it is the deliberate government effort to reposition the geothermal ecosystem that has made this milestone possible.
Policies such as the establishment of the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) dramatically reinvigorated the sector. In 2009, when GDC was formed, Kenya was generating only 210 MW from geothermal energy. It was not long before the country leapt toward gigawatt status.
In addition, GDC successfully opened new geothermal fields outside Olkaria. These include Menengai, Paka, Silali, and Korosi, while activities at Suswa were beginning at the time of writing. The Menengai project itself is a masterstroke. It is the field that enriched the geothermal ecosystem with three Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under the Menengai 105 MW project.
The GAK which spearheaded the bidding remains buoyant. “We’re excited that we were granted the honour of hosting WGC -2029.” says Zeyruq Ahmed, GAK CEO, pictured.
Bringing the private sector into the geothermal economy has not only enriched the ecosystem but also attracted critical external investment.
GDC is also leading in the direct use of geothermal energy. At Menengai, the company has diversified geothermal applications into heating greenhouses, milk pasteurisation, grain drying, and aqua-ponds.
Recently, GDC and Karsan Ramji, makers of Ndovu Cement, have sought to use geothermal heat to dry cement components and generate 4 MW of captive power. As our main story reveals, GDC is now expanding the geothermal frontier further into geothermal tourism.
A global geothermal hub
By showcasing these breakthroughs, Kenya is steadily becoming a global geothermal hub, not just for Africa but for the world. WGC 2029 will not only be a moment of pride for the sector, but also for the country and the continent. Indeed, Africa is looking to Kenya in a big way for inspiration and technical expertise.
For instance, GDC has successfully established itself as a premier regional trainer, providing technical training to countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Djibouti, among others. GDC’s uniqueness stems from its diversity, spanning the entire geothermal value chain.
It is IGA that summed it all nicely: “Kenya, as one of the world’s leading geothermal nations and a recognized pioneer in large-scale geothermal power generation, offers a compelling setting for the congress. WGC 2029 will spotlight the innovation, ambition, and growth of geothermal development not only in Kenya but across the wider African region.”
From Menengai to Paka, GDC has built a solid geothermal story ready for the world. And from here, the road to Nairobi WGC-2029 begins.
Download your copy of the Steam Magazine Issue 18 here: https://www.gdc.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Steam-Magazine-Issue-18.pdf
