Kenya has broken ground on the world’s first geothermal-powered green fertilizer plant. The project, born from a landmark partnership between the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and China’s Kaishan Group, was launched at Olkaria, Naivasha.
It positions the country at the forefront of a movement to harness renewable resources for industrial growth and food security. The initiative is hailed as a cornerstone of Africa’s green industrialization, and it aims to use geothermal steam to power the production of green ammonia and fertilizer.
It will see Kaishan’s local subsidiary, Kaishan Terra Green Ammonia Limited, construct and operate a state-of-the-art facility powered by 165 megawatts of geothermal energy supplied by KenGen under a 30-year agreement.
With access to the vast geothermal reserves, which already rank Kenya among the world’s top ten producers, the plant is set to produce between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes of green fertilizer annually.
This will not only reduce heavy reliance on imported fertilizers but also establish the country as a pioneer in low-carbon manufacturing, offering a replicable model for the Global South.
According to President William Ruto, during the event, farmers and the economy as a whole are going to immensely benefit from the project.
“This project shows that Kenya is not just a leading producer and consumer of clean energy, we are now going further to add value and generate prosperity from it. By harnessing our geothermal wealth, we are lowering fertilizer costs, supporting our farmers, and contributing to global climate goals,” he said.
The project’s advantages will impact more than the agriculture sector. It is projected to prevent over 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Economically, the venture is expected to deliver an estimated Sh1.68 billion ($13 million) in annual net profits to KenGen while creating over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Beyond fertilizer and balance-of-payments improvements, this project will generate real opportunities on the ground. The partnership projects over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, operations, maintenance, supply chains, and services. These are not temporary handouts, they are career pipelines for electricians, plant operators, process engineers, logistics managers, lab technicians, and local suppliers,” added President William Ruto.
This venture demonstrates how renewable resources can be harnessed to build climate-resilient economies, reduce import dependency, and foster sustainable development. With this pioneering effort, other African nations have a model they can replicate to promote clean energy throughout the continent.
According to Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen Managing Director and CEO, the partnership is a milestone in clean industrialization. “Geothermal power is the bridge between Africa’s green potential and its manufacturing future,” he said.
