Kenya has cemented its position as a global powerhouse in renewable energy after winning a landmark bid to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029—the first time the prestigious event will ever be held on African soil.
The announcement was made on Monday, December 9, by the International Geothermal Association (IGA), which selected Nairobi over global energy giants Auckland, New Zealand, and Munich, Germany. The Congress, launched in 1995, has never before been hosted in Africa.
Set to take place at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, the 2029 Congress is expected to attract over 3,000 participants—from scientists and innovators to policymakers, financiers, and top industry leaders—making it one of the most consequential energy gatherings in the world.
A Victory for Kenya, Africa, and the Global South
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi hailed the win as a generational milestone.
“This is not only a victory for Kenya but also a triumph for Africa, the Global South, and all nations striving to harness geothermal energy for sustainable development,”
—CS Opiyo Wandayi.
Wandayi emphasized that WGC 2029 will spotlight Kenya’s dominance in geothermal development—a sector that already positions the country among the world’s leaders—and accelerate Africa’s transition toward clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Driving Kenya’s 10,000MW Power Ambition
The CS noted that geothermal energy will be instrumental in achieving Kenya’s ambitious goal of adding 10,000MW of new electricity generation capacity by 2032. Beyond electricity, Kenya is also banking on direct-use geothermal applications—from agro-processing and aquaculture to industrial heating—to fuel economic transformation and job creation.
In his statement, Wandayi revealed plans to host an Africa Geothermal Centre of Excellence in Kenya, designed to build a strong pipeline of geothermal scientists and engineers for the continent.
Boost for Investment, Innovation, and Global Visibility
Hosting the Congress is expected to deliver major economic and strategic benefits, including:
Increased foreign investment in Kenya’s energy sector
Stronger capacity building and technology transfer
Enhanced global confidence in Africa’s renewable energy capabilities
Global showcasing of Africa’s geothermal breakthroughs
Delegates will also get a firsthand experience of Kenya’s geothermal fields—where innovation, environmental conservation, and community-centered development converge.
The CS urged government agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector to rally together ahead of 2029.
“Together, we aspire to deliver a Congress that is memorable, impactful, and transformative,”
—CS Wandayi.
Looking ahead, Kenya will lead Africa’s delegation to the World Geothermal Congress 2026 in Calgary, Canada, where the continent will showcase geothermal investment opportunities at the Africa Pavilion.
As Kenya prepares to host the world in 2029, Nairobi is set to become the epicenter of global geothermal innovation—an achievement that places Africa firmly on the map of sustainable energy leadership.
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