State signs deal to accelerate geothermal development

Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has signed a partnership with the French Development Agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to boost the geothermal development in East Africa.

The partnership will offer a Sh75 million grant that will enable Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, KenGen and Geothermal Dévelopement Company (GDC) to deliver on the projects that will support national development through clean energy.

The grant falls under the Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and France geothermal partnership project aimed at building capacity, co-creating strategies and applying the best practices across the geothermal value chain.

This comes at a time when the country's electricity demand continues to rise.

This partnership reaffirms the Ministry's commitment to strengthening collaborations that will empower KenGen and GDC to deliver transformative interventions for national development.

“This agreement will boost regional cooperation to accelerate geothermal use, fostering sustainable and resilient economic growth,” said Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira.

The cooperation project between Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and France on geothermal energy establishes a framework to strengthen East Africa’s position as a leader in renewable energy across Africa.

“France, a longstanding and first bilateral partner in Kenya’s energy transition, is dedicated to advancing Kenya’s world-class geothermal know-how and to contributing to the country’s vision of full renewable energy and universal access by 2030,” said Arnaud Suquet.

The agreement combines Kenya’s expertise in deep geothermal power generation with French know-how in direct-use applications of geothermal heat.

The initiative will unlock the region’s vast geothermal potential, especially in Tanzania and Uganda, before extending to other countries.

This initiative will enhance climate resilience, spur green growth, and contribute to sustainable development. It also stands as a model of a mutually beneficial South–South–North partnership, delivering shared value for all.

The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives, including Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya and Sandra Kassab, AFD Africa Director.

“AFD is committed to working with Kenya to deliver tangible results: resilient communities and a greener, more sustainable energy future,” said Sandra Kassab.

This landmark agreement underscores the strength of the partnership between Kenya and France in advancing renewable energy and reaffirms Kenya’s role as a continental leader in clean energy transition.