Kenyans are inching closer to enjoying lower electricity bills, thanks to significant progress at the Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru County. The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has confirmed that two more Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Quantum Power East Africa and OrPower 22, are on track to begin operations by early 2026, joining Sosian Energy, which started generating power in 2023.
GDC’s Deputy Manager for Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mr. Eric Wamanji, said Quantum Power’s facility is 60% complete, while OrPower 22 has reached the 50% mark. Once operational, the three plants will contribute a combined 105MW to the national grid, with electricity from Menengai expected to cost Sh8 per kilowatt-hour, significantly lower than the current Sh22 from fossil and hydro sources.
Funded in part by institutions such as the African Development Bank and UK-based Globeleq, the project reflects a broader shift in Kenya’s energy policy toward clean, affordable power. GDC, which developed the steam fields, has sunk 43 wells in Menengai, with 24 already tested and producing a combined output of 165MW, enough for nearly half a million homes and 300,000 businesses.
Under the “Menengai Model,” GDC de-risked the exploration phase before inviting private firms to construct and operate plants for 25 years. A 132kV substation by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) will connect the new energy to the grid.
GDC aims to generate an additional 1,065MW from Menengai, Baringo-Silali Paka (300MW), and the South Rift region (300MW) over the next decade. Already, 75MW of steam has been tapped at Paka, and GDC targets 105MW there by 2027.
Beyond electricity, Menengai’s geothermal steam is fueling innovation. GDC has demonstrated its direct-use technology since 2015, powering greenhouses, aquaculture, laundry, milk pasteurization, and grain drying, helping reduce production costs by up to 70% and greenhouse emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes annually.
“The use of geothermal steam in industrial parks, agriculture, and homes will revolutionize production, reduce power costs, and attract investment,” Mr. Wamanji said during the Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Trade Fair. “We foresee Menengai becoming a clean energy and industrial hub.”
Kenya currently leads Africa in geothermal power with 700MW, contributing 44.12% of electricity in the national grid. The government’s push for green energy, with geothermal as the cornerstone, is helping replace expensive thermal sources and ensure affordable, reliable power for all.
Written By Rodney Mbua
