Kenya has launched Africa’s first geothermal-powered fertiliser plant, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote climate-smart agriculture through clean energy production.
The $800 million Olkaria facility is part of Kenya’s broader green transition, supporting local communities with training and resources while aligning with COP28 climate goals.
With the kickoff of Africa’s first geothermal-powered fertilizer plant, Kenya has made a bold move toward climate-smart agriculture and the decarbonization of its local industrial sector. The Kaishan Olkaria Green Fertilizer Plant, a joint venture between KenGen and China’s Kaishan Group, is poised to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s green transition.
The facility, backed by an $800 million budget, is expected to harness 165 megawatts of clean energy to produce up to 300,000 tons of ammonia-based fertilizer annually. The plant’s current fossil fuel-based production will be replaced by geothermal power, significantly reducing carbon emissions while helping stabilize fertilizer prices for farmers.
“It is not only about fertilizer. It is about providing the world with the basic necessities, fighting climate change, and the country's economic independence,” said President William Ruto at the launch. His remarks echoed Kenya’s commitment to its COP28 climate targets and its ambition to lead the continent in sustainable innovation.
The Olkaria factory is part of a broader strategy to disconnect the agricultural sector from environmental pollution. By tapping into geothermal energy—a clean and abundant resource in Kenya—the plant can produce fertilizer that is both affordable and climate-friendly, allowing the country to save substantially on volatile global supply chains.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project marks a foundational step toward community-level climate resilience. Youth groups in Naivasha are gaining skills in fertilizer logistics and distribution, while women’s cooperatives are preparing to boost the productivity of drought-resistant crops. These initiatives are the most vibrant voices in a growing movement for inclusive, low-carbon development.
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President Ruto emphasized that the project, beyond its infrastructural significance, signals a new era of climate leadership and opens doors for farmers, entrepreneurs, and future generations.
This new wave of optimism—fueled by clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and Kenya’s resolve to build a climate-resilient future—rises alongside the geothermal steam billowing from Olkaria.
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