Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 10, The Kenyan Cabinet, chaired by President William Ruto on July 29, 2025, approved the 80.3-MW Olkaria VII geothermal power project, to be developed by the state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). The facility is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by June 2027, advancing Kenya’s clean energy goals.

Olkaria II geothermal power plant, Kenya

The Olkaria VII plant will utilize 19 production wells, with the capacity to add seven more over its 25-year operational lifespan. KenGen plans to invest approximately Ksh 32 billion (around $248 million) in the project, following regulatory filings submitted in late 2024. A feasibility study for the power plant was initiated in 2022, laying the groundwork for this development.

During the same Cabinet meeting, approval was granted for Phase III of the Last Mile Connectivity Project, which aims to connect 180,500 new customers to Kenya’s electricity grid. Launched in 2015, this initiative seeks to increase national electricity access beyond the current 75% by deploying idle transformers in underserved areas and upgrading overburdened substations. These efforts align with Kenya’s Energy Sector Roadmap 2040, which projects an annual electricity demand growth of at least 100 MW.

The Olkaria VII project and the Last Mile Connectivity initiative are supported by the European Investment Bank and the Government of Japan. These partnerships reflect Kenya’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, fostering sustainable economic growth.

KenGen’s focus on geothermal energy through Olkaria VII leverages Kenya’s abundant geothermal resources, particularly in the Olkaria region, to provide reliable, clean power. The project is expected to enhance energy security and support industrial and residential needs while contributing to environmental sustainability.

The Last Mile Connectivity Project complements these efforts by improving electricity access in rural and underserved regions, ensuring broader socio-economic benefits. By upgrading infrastructure and expanding grid connections, the initiative supports Kenya’s long-term vision of universal electricity access and sustainable development.

These initiatives demonstrate Kenya’s strategic approach to meeting growing energy demands through renewable sources. The collaboration with international partners and the focus on geothermal and grid expansion projects position the country as a leader in clean energy adoption in the region.