Nakuru, Kenya(Mogadishu24)-President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy for financing national development without burdening Kenyans with additional taxes or loans.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 35MW Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant at Menengai in Nakuru County, President Ruto emphasized that PPPs enable efficient delivery of public services by leveraging private sector investment.

“It is important to appreciate that the partnership between the public and the private sector gives us a win-win outcome to deliver public services using the efficiency and investment of the private sector,” he said, citing successful projects like the Standard Gauge Railway as examples.

The KSh12 billion investment in the new geothermal plant by the Kaishan Group from China was hailed by the President as a sign of growing confidence among foreign investors in Kenya’s economic landscape.

The plant is the third facility within the Menengai 105MW complex and is set to boost Kenya’s geothermal production, helping the nation achieve its goal of 100% clean energy by 2030.

During the event, President Ruto also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and the Kaishan Group to collaborate on sustainable green ammonia production. For the first time, Kenya will manufacture ammonia fertilizer domestically within 24 months, reducing the need for imports.

“Progressively, we will reduce fertiliser imports into Kenya,” President Ruto said, underlining the government’s broader plan to enhance economic efficiency and industrial competitiveness by lowering electricity costs and bolstering domestic production.

President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s geothermal potential, noting that only 10% of the country’s nearly 10,000MW geothermal capacity has been explored. “So far, we have tapped only 950MW, a small fraction of our geothermal potential, leaving immense opportunities still untapped,” he said, encouraging private investors to explore this resource.

The President also stressed the role of geothermal energy in decarbonizing Kenya’s national grid, driving progress towards net-zero emissions, and promoting sustainable economic growth. “As a global leader in this space, Kenya continues to demonstrate how every nation can achieve sustained, rapid, and transformative growth while remaining true to climate action commitments,” he stated.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi echoed the President’s sentiments, affirming the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the national grid and providing clean, affordable energy. Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika also pledged to create a conducive environment for private investors in the county.

The new Orpower 22 plant, along with other facilities in the Menengai complex, is set to elevate Kenya’s position as the fifth-largest geothermal producer globally, exemplifying the synergy between economic development and sustainable energy.