Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has commissioned the 140-megawatt Olkaria VII geothermal power plant in Naivasha, marking a major production milestone in East Africa’s energy sector and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a global leader in geothermal power.
The Olkaria VII facility expands the Olkaria geothermal complex—already one of the largest geothermal fields in the world—by adding two new generating units and associated steamfield infrastructure. The project increases KenGen’s installed geothermal capacity and strengthens baseload electricity supply for industrial, commercial, and export-oriented activity across the Kenyan economy.
What is being built and delivered
Olkaria VII consists of a 140 MW geothermal power station, including drilling of new production and reinjection wells, steam gathering systems, and high-voltage transmission integration into the national grid. The plant delivers continuous, renewable baseload power, unlike intermittent solar or wind assets.
Who is executing the project
The project is developed and operated by KenGen, a state-controlled utility with deep technical experience in geothermal exploration and plant construction. Financing combined KenGen balance-sheet funding with development finance support, aligning long-term infrastructure capital with national energy strategy.
Scale and economic significance
At 140 MW, Olkaria VII adds enough capacity to power hundreds of thousands of homes while directly supporting energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, agri-processing, data services, and logistics. The expansion reduces reliance on thermal generation, lowers exposure to fuel price volatility, and stabilises electricity tariffs for industrial users.
Geothermal power already accounts for a significant share of Kenya’s electricity mix. The commissioning of Olkaria VII deepens this advantage, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for energy-secure industrial growth and export-oriented production.
Why it matters now
Reliable, low-cost baseload power is a prerequisite for industrial expansion. As African economies compete to attract manufacturing, processing, and digital infrastructure investment, Kenya’s ability to deliver scalable geothermal energy strengthens its competitiveness.
Olkaria VII also reinforces a broader trend: African-led execution of complex energy infrastructure, built for long-term economic productivity rather than short-term capacity fixes.
