NGPU October 24, 2024

Nakuru County Poised to Become a Model Green City in Africa

Written by Roy Lumbe

Nakuru County is set to reap significant benefits from the groundbreaking of a multi-million shilling 35-megawatt power plant by OrPower Twenty-Two Limited and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) in Menengai West, Rongai Sub-county.

The project, commissioned by H E Governor Susan Kihika, H E President William Ruto, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, positions Nakuru as a leader in geothermal energy and a model for green development in Africa.

Governor Kihika emphasized that the plant will accelerate industrialization by leveraging Nakuru’s abundant geothermal resources, creating new opportunities in agriculture, agri-business, and manufacturing.

Through the County’s investor-friendly environment, streamlined regulations, and ample land, Nakuru aims to attract local and international developers to unlock its green potential.

To foster sustainable growth, the County Government has partnered with GDC to establish the Green Industrialization Taskforce (GIT), which will promote green industries by utilizing geothermal energy and other renewable resources such as solar and wind.

The initiative aims to create jobs, enhance agricultural productivity, and support local and export markets, including the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region, reiterating that Nakuru’s development efforts align with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-27.

Additionally, Nakuru will partner with Egerton University and the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry to establish the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) and an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Egerton Njoro. These initiatives will complement the region’s growing manufacturing sector and enhance the county’s contribution to national GDP.

Nakuru will also benefit from a planned collaboration with USAID’s Power Africa program. A pre-feasibility study for an urban solarization program is complete, and the county has requested a full feasibility study and technical assistance to transform Nakuru into Africa’s leading model for geothermal energy use.

Governor Kihika called for further support from the national government to attract Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to harness steam and brine resources effectively.

President Ruto commended Nakuru’s progress and revealed plans to position the county as an industrial hub. He announced the acquisition of 5,000 acres in Naivasha to support industrial expansion and disclosed that Kenya’s first $1 billion data center will be built in Naivasha in partnership with Microsoft, UAE-based G42, and the government. This data center, powered by geothermal energy, will drive digital transformation while contributing to affordable and sustainable energy use.

The president further highlighted that KSh 2 billion has been allocated to connect 15,000 more households in Nakuru through the last-mile connectivity program, ensuring access to electricity. He emphasized that every megawatt added to the national grid reduces energy poverty, promotes productivity, and lowers electricity costs for businesses and households.

A key development during the event was the signing of an agreement with Kaishan Energy to produce hydrogen and ammonia within 24 months. This initiative will enable the local production of ammonia-based fertilizers, reducing Kenya’s reliance on imports and promoting hydrogen as an alternative fuel source.

Governor Kihika reaffirmed the County’s commitment to becoming a full green economy, stating, “With the right partnerships and investments, Nakuru can set the standard for geothermal energy use in Africa.”

She expressed confidence that the county’s policies and resources will attract investors and restore the manufacturing sector. Governor Kihika also underscored Nakuru’s competitive edge, thanks to its skilled workforce and vibrant agricultural sector, which will supply products to major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru, as well as regional export markets.

Present during the ceremony were Principal Secretary, State Department of Energy Mr. Alex Kamau, Chairman of GDC Hon. Walter Nyambati, Managing Director of GDC Mr. Paul Ngugi, General Manager of Kaishan Group Ltd Dr. Yang Tan, Members of Parliament, and County Government officials among others.

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