President William Ruto in company of Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Thursday October 24, 2024 launched the construction of a 35-megawatt power plant by OrPower Twenty-Two Limited and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) in Menengai West, Rongai Sub-county in Nakuru County.
This project marks a significant step in utilizing the first 105 MW of steam from the Menengai geothermal field, further cementing Nakuru’s position as a leader in geothermal energy in Africa.
Speaking during the event, President Ruto commended Nakuru for its vast green energy potential, which he urged industries to leverage by expanding domestic manufacturing.
He emphasized that Nakuru would not only generate renewable energy but also become a hub for industrial activity in Kenya.
Ruto further revealed that the government has acquired an additional 5,000 acres in Naivasha to support industrial development.
He announced plans to establish Kenya’s first $1 billion data center in Naivasha, a collaborative effort between Microsoft, UAE-based G42, and Kenya, powered by geothermal energy.
He stressed that reliable, affordable, and clean energy is key to economic growth, with every new megawatt helping to eliminate energy poverty and enhance productivity.
The president also disclosed that Sh 2 billion has been allocated to connect an additional 15,000 households in Nakuru County to electricity through the last-mile connectivity program.
President Ruto and Governor Kihika further witnessed the signing of an agreement with Kaishan Energy to produce hydrogen and ammonia within 24 months.
This initiative will support the production of ammonia-based fertilizer, reducing Kenya’s dependency on fertilizer imports and advancing the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.
On her part, Governor Kihika highlighted that this is the second power plant in Menengai, following a similar 35 MW facility developed in partnership between GDC and Globeleq Generation Kenya Ltd.
She noted that the involvement of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) like Kaishan Energy and Sosian Energy demonstrates that Nakuru County offers a favorable environment for both local and international investments in energy and other sectors.
The governor emphasized that, beyond fostering an enabling business environment, the county has introduced investor-friendly policies, such as the Single Business Permit and streamlined land application processes, to attract more investment in manufacturing and industry.
She described the groundbreaking of this plant as a major step toward achieving the national goal of generating 5,000 MW, while also exploring opportunities for utilizing steam and brine beyond the National Grid.