Kenya wins historic bid to host World Geothermal Congress 2029
DIANA ROTICH-PCO
Kenya has secured the rights to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029, becoming the first African nation to host the prestigious global event and cementing the continent’s growing influence in the global clean energy transition.
The landmark announcement was made during the official handover ceremony at the conclusion of the 2026 World Geothermal Congress in Calgary, where Kenya officially received the hosting rights from Canada following a highly competitive international bidding process.
The victory marks a major milestone not only for Kenya but also for Africa, positioning the continent at the center of global discussions on renewable energy, climate action, and sustainable development.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Principal Secretary for Energy, Alex Kamau Wachira, described the achievement as a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector and a testament to the continent’s growing role in shaping the future of clean energy.
“Today marks more than the transfer of hosting rights. It is a historic milestone for Africa and a strong affirmation of the continent’s growing contribution to the global clean energy transition,” he said.
Kenya enters the global spotlight as Africa’s leading geothermal producer, with more than 1,000 megawatts of installed geothermal capacity.
The country has emerged as a global leader in harnessing geothermal resources, using clean and reliable energy to power homes, industries, and economic growth.
Yet experts believe the country’s greatest achievements still lie ahead. According to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya possesses geothermal resources exceeding 10 gigawatts, while Africa’s total geothermal potential is estimated at more than 15 gigawatts.
The Government has set ambitious targets to increase installed geothermal capacity to approximately 1,700 MW by 2030 and 3,000 MW by 2043 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen energy security, drive industrialization, and support climate resilience.
Beyond electricity generation, Kenya is increasingly leveraging geothermal resources to support industrial development, value addition, sustainable manufacturing, and green economic growth.
The country views geothermal energy as a critical driver of economic transformation and a cornerstone of its clean energy future.
The successful bid was supported by a coalition of international and regional partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme, which will serve as co-host of WGC 2029, alongside organizations such as the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility, the African Union, JICA, Geothermal Rising, KfW, Globeleq, and several geothermal institutions from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Their support played a key role in strengthening Kenya’s proposal and demonstrating Africa’s readiness to host the world’s premier geothermal gathering.
The World Geothermal Congress, held every three years under the auspices of the International Geothermal Association, is the most influential event in the global geothermal sector.
It brings together governments, investors, researchers, development partners, technology providers, and industry leaders to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and chart the future of geothermal development worldwide.
For Kenya, hosting WGC 2029 is expected to unlock substantial economic benefits through increased tourism, foreign investment, international partnerships, and heightened visibility as a global renewable energy hub.
The event will also provide a unique platform to showcase Africa’s vast geothermal resources and the continent’s growing contribution to the global energy transition.
As preparations for Nairobi 2029 begin, Kenya has pledged to deliver an inclusive, innovative, and action-oriented Congress that will accelerate investment in sustainable energy solutions and strengthen collaboration among nations.