Kenya is continuing to expand its geothermal energy capacity with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), aiming to strengthen baseload electricity production.
On January 22, the Bank confirmed that it approved a $16.5 million loan in late 2025 to support the development of the 35-megawatt OrPower Twenty-Two (OTTL) geothermal power plant, located in the Menengai field north of Nakuru.
This financing reflects AfDB’s long-term commitment to easing the financial and technical challenges that have limited large-scale geothermal energy exploitation in Kenya.
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OrPower Twenty-Two Limited, an independent power producer, is leading the OTTL project, which is the third geothermal facility at Menengai.
The first, Sosian Menengai, is already operational with 35 MW, while the Globeleq Menengai project, also 35 MW, is still under construction.
Together, these three projects will provide a combined 105 MW, marking the first phase of the Menengai field’s development, according to Ecofin Agency.
Once operational, these facilities are expected to generate around 301 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company will purchase the output under a 25-year power purchase agreement, providing long-term revenue certainty for investors.
Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in Kenya’s energy mix, offering a stable, locally sourced, and climate-resilient electricity supply. It supports grid stability more reliably than weather-dependent renewable sources.
More broadly, this project contributes to Kenya’s goal of increasing its installed geothermal capacity from 940 MW to 1,824 MW by 2030, as the country works toward a cleaner, more reliable, and secure electricity system.
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Image Credit: African Development Bank
