Kenya has unveiled the world’s first geothermal-powered green fertilizer plant in a partnership between the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) and China’s Kaishan Group Co. Ltd, marking an advancement in clean energy innovation and agricultural transformation in Africa.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Olkaria in Naivasha, President William Ruto hailed the project as a game changer for Kenya’s agriculture and industrialization.
“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,” President Ruto said.
“By harnessing our geothermal wealth, we are lowering fertilizer costs, supporting our farmers, and contributing to global climate goals.” he added.
The Head of State emphasized that fertilizer prices play a critical role in Kenya’s food security, especially for staple crops like maize.
“Our agriculture is highly dependent on fertilizer prices, with high prices leading to decline in maize output nationally,” he said.
“As we know, maize is the staple crop that feeds millions of Kenyans. That is why domestic, competitively priced fertilizer matters not just for commerce, but for food security for our people.” Ruto further Noted.
President Ruto added that the project would have tangible benefits for Kenyans, including job creation and industrial growth.
“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.” he Said.
The agreement between KenGen and Kaishan Group, witnessed by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi, represents one of the most ambitious industrial decarbonization projects in Africa.
The initiative aims to use geothermal steam to power the production of green ammonia and fertilizer, drastically cutting carbon emissions and reducing fertilizer import dependence across Eastern Africa.
Under the deal, Kaishan’s Kenyan subsidiary, Kaishan Terra Green Ammonia Limited, will construct and operate the plant using 165MW of geothermal energy supplied by KenGen over a 30-year period.
The plant will produce between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes of green fertilizer annually, positioning Kenya as the first African nation and one of the few globally to produce fertilizer entirely through renewable energy.
The project is expected to avert more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and yield an estimated USD 13 million in yearly net profits for KenGen, while stabilizing fertilizer prices and boosting national food security.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga described the partnership as a milestone in Kenya’s journey toward sustainable industrialization.
“Geothermal power is the bridge between Africa’s green energy potential and its manufacturing future,Kenya’s leadership in geothermal development gives us a unique advantage in pioneering low-carbon manufacturing models for the Global South.” Njenga said.
