Government approves feasibility studies for 300MW Suswa geothermal power plant

The National Treasury building in Nairobi. (Photo: File)

By Lucy Mumbi
Monday, May 4, 2026

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Geothermal remains Kenya’s leading source of electricity, with ongoing expansion focused along the Rift Valley, including developments at Olkaria, Menengai and Suswa.

The government has received clearance to begin feasibility studies for a 300 megawatt geothermal power project in Suswa, Narok County, as it moves to unlock new energy sources aimed at meeting rising national electricity demand.

The plan is expected to open the way for large-scale investment in geothermal development, with early assessments targeting the commercial viability of the project before full implementation.

The Geothermal Development Company has been authorised to proceed with feasibility studies for the proposed project, following approval by the Public Private Partnership Unit.

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Initial output is expected to start between June 2027, with the first phase targeting between 50MW and 100MW to strengthen supply to the national grid managed by Kenya Power. The additional capacity is aimed at helping the utility meet growing demand from households and industries across the country.

Kenya has, in the past three years, increasingly depended on electricity imports from Ethiopia and Uganda to stabilise supply, particularly during periods of drought or when hydroelectric generation is disrupted. This reliance has exposed the country to risks linked to external supply interruptions and domestic generation challenges.

Geothermal energy remains one of the most affordable sources of electricity in the country. Data shows that a kilowatt-hour from geothermal sources averaged Sh9.48 in the year to June 2025, making it the third-cheapest source of power and reinforcing government efforts to expand generation without sharply increasing electricity tariffs.

The Suswa geothermal field is estimated to hold at least 750MW of potential power, which will be developed in phases beginning with the initial 300MW project.

Geothermal remains Kenya’s leading source of electricity, with ongoing expansion focused along the Rift Valley, including developments at Olkaria, Menengai and Suswa.