Kenya has successfully secured the rights to host the prestigious World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029 in its capital city, Nairobi. This milestone achievement for the country’s energy sector reinforces Kenya’s position as Africa’s powerhouse in geothermal energy development on the global stage.
Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira announced the historic win to journalists while leading the Kenyan delegation at the ongoing WGC 2026 in Canada. The Principal Secretary noted that awarding these hosting rights is a clear global recognition of Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy development and its successful energy strategies.
Currently, Kenya boasts more than 1,000 megawatts of installed geothermal power capacity, while its total untapped geothermal resource potential is estimated to exceed 10 gigawatts (10,000 megawatts).
Reflecting on the country’s successful bidding process, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira stated “Geothermal energy is more than just a natural resource for a country; it is a catalyst for economic transformation, industrial development, energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable prosperity.”
The World Geothermal Congress is held every three years and stands as the largest international platform bringing together industry experts, policymakers, investors, researchers, and energy leaders from across the globe. The congress serves as a premier forum for showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements, sharing research findings, and discussing policies that drive global geothermal development.
According to the Principal Secretary, hosting the congress in Nairobi will bring immense opportunities not only for Kenya but for the entire African continent. It will provide a unique stage to showcase Africa’s vast geothermal potential to the world and attract fresh capital investment. The 2029 summit is expected to draw thousands of delegates to Nairobi, opening doors for knowledge exchange, business networking, and strategic partnerships in the renewable energy sector.
Kenya is widely ranked among the top producers of geothermal energy worldwide. The bulk of the country’s geothermal power is generated from the Olkaria fields located within the Rift Valley. This reliable energy source has significantly reduced the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels while strongly anchoring the Kenyan government’s clean energy agenda.
Industry stakeholders and analysts point out that awarding Nairobi the hosting rights will further elevate Kenya as a premier destination for renewable energy investments. Furthermore, it will strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate and energy negotiations. The congress is also anticipated to inspire neighboring nations across East Africa and the wider continent to accelerate their own exploration efforts, utilizing reliable, low-carbon energy options to power industrialization and economic growth.
