Why Kenya is betting on geothermal power

Kenya is emerging as Africa's geothermal powerhouse, generating 30% of its electricity from underground heat sources along the East African Rift Valley—making it the continent's leading producer. Unlike solar and wind, geothermal provides reliable 24/7 base-load power, crucial for a stable grid amid climate-driven hydro fluctuations. The country’s 754 megawatts of geothermal capacity, growing under a 10-year plan to add 840 MW more, is anchored in deep drilling (up to 3,000 meters), advanced exploration using the '3Gs' (geology, geophysics, geochemistry), and state-owned Kenjin’s industrial park—dubbed Africa’s first geothermal-powered city. Despite having more installed capacity than demand, Kenya faces a 'functional deficit' due to unreliable renewables and aging infrastructure. Experts argue that Kenya’s real opportunity lies not just in domestic use, but in exporting its technical expertise and scalable models to neighboring nations, especially if paired with international financing. The vision: a clean, affordable, and self-sustaining energy future by 2030, with geothermal at its core.