Nairobi to host historic world geothermal congress

The International Geothermal Association (IGA) has officially selected Nairobi, Kenya, as the host city for the 2029 World Geothermal Congress (WGC). This announcement marks the first time in the event's history that the world's premier geothermal gathering will be held on the African continent, recognising the region's burgeoning role in the clean energy transition.

The triennial Congress, a global nexus for industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and financiers, serves as a critical platform for shaping the future of geothermal energy. The 2029 edition in Nairobi promises to be a transformative event, spotlighting Africa's innovation, ambition, and vast potential in geothermal development.

Kenya's path to securing WGC2029 was a strategic and concerted national effort. The bid was first formally launched in July 2024 by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, who positioned it as a cornerstone of Kenya's commitment to geothermal leadership and its ambition to attract foreign investment for industrialisation. In June 2025, Kenya found itself among eight global contenders, including Germany, Ethiopia, and New Zealand. By July, the race had narrowed to a final shortlist of two: Kenya and Germany.

The critical evaluation phase occurred in October 2025, when a high-level IGA delegation visited Kenya to assess its readiness. The delegation met a unified multi-sectoral government team, coordinated by the State Department for Foreign Affairs' Directorate of International Conferences and Events (DICE). The team showcased Kenya's conference infrastructure, including proposed venues like the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The visit underscored a whole-of-government approach, with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasising that Kenya's bid was a reflection of its proven track record and its strategic role in Africa's clean energy future.

A testament to geothermal leadership
Kenya's victory is deeply rooted in tangible achievement. As of 2024, Kenya stands as Africa's undisputed geothermal powerhouse, with an installed capacity of approximately 985 MW, ranking it sixth globally. The Olkaria geothermal fields are the nation's engine, with state-owned KenGen operating the largest plants. Geothermal energy is the backbone of Kenya's grid, providing a stable and reliable base-load source for about 47% of the country's electricity. A long-term vision drives this operational success; Kenya has tapped only a fraction of its estimated 10,000 MW potential and is steadfastly pursuing a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The nation's ambition extends beyond its borders. A landmark cooperation agreement signed with the French Development Agency (AFD) in September 2025 formalises Kenya's role as a regional geothermal hub. The pact aims to leverage Kenya's expertise in deep geothermal power generation and French know-how in direct heat applications to accelerate development in Tanzania and Uganda, fostering a powerful South-South-North partnership for East Africa's green growth.

The IGA's decision has been met with acclaim from global and national leaders. IGA Chief Executive Officer Dr Marit Brommer praised Kenya as "a testament to what long-term vision can achieve," noting that WGC2029 will showcase "the power and possibility of Africa's geothermal future."

Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi termed the victory "a proud testament to our leadership in geothermal energy and Africa's rising global stature," assuring that the Kenyan government is committed to providing all necessary support for a successful Congress. Peketsa Mangi, Board Chairman of the Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK), thanked the broad coalition of partners, including Kenyan parastatals, regional utilities, and the UN, pledging GAK's full commitment to the journey ahead.

The official handover from the current hosts will be a symbolic moment during the next Congress, WGC2026, in Calgary, Canada. The Calgary event, described as a global platform to unite visionaries for the energy transition, will now serve as the stage where Kenya formally accepts the mantle, bringing the geothermal world's focus to Africa for the first time.

The awarding of WGC2029 to Nairobi is a profound recognition of Kenya's pioneering journey in harnessing the Earth's heat for sustainable development. It validates the nation's technical expertise, its regional leadership, and its unwavering policy commitment to a green future. When the global geothermal community converges on Nairobi in 2029, they will be attending a congress and witnessing firsthand the vibrant reality of a renewable energy leader and the unlocked potential of an entire continent eager to power its future sustainably.

[email protected]