Kenya has secured the rights to host the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029, marking a historic achievement for the country and reinforcing Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy development.

The announcement was made following a competitive international bidding process, with Nairobi selected to host the prestigious global event for the first time. The congress, held every three years, is regarded as the world’s leading gathering of geothermal experts, policymakers, researchers, investors and energy industry leaders.

The successful bid is a major milestone for Kenya, which is widely recognised as Africa’s largest producer of geothermal energy and one of the world’s leading users of the clean, renewable resource. Hosting the congress is expected to further strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for geothermal innovation and sustainable energy solutions.

Geothermal energy has become a cornerstone of Kenya’s electricity generation, supplying a significant share of the country’s power needs. The East African nation has invested heavily in harnessing heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, particularly within the geologically active Rift Valley, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Officials say hosting the World Geothermal Congress will provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase its achievements in renewable energy while attracting international investment, fostering technological collaboration and creating new business opportunities within the energy sector.

The event is also expected to bring thousands of delegates from across the world to Nairobi, generating economic benefits for the country’s tourism, hospitality and service industries. Experts believe the congress will encourage greater knowledge sharing on geothermal exploration, financing, policy development and clean energy technologies.

Beyond Kenya, the decision to host the congress in Nairobi is seen as a significant recognition of Africa’s increasing role in the global transition to renewable energy. Several African countries possess vast untapped geothermal resources, particularly within the Great Rift Valley, offering enormous potential to expand clean energy generation and improve energy security across the continent.

Energy stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as an opportunity to highlight Africa’s renewable energy potential and strengthen partnerships aimed at accelerating sustainable development.

The World Geothermal Congress has historically been hosted by countries with advanced geothermal industries, making Kenya’s successful bid a testament to the country’s decades-long investment in clean energy infrastructure and innovation.

As preparations begin for the 2029 event, Kenya is expected to use the global platform to promote investment, share its expertise and inspire broader adoption of geothermal energy across Africa and beyond.

Hosting the World Geothermal Congress represents more than an international honour it reflects Kenya’s emergence as a global leader in renewable energy and underscores Africa’s growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable power generation.

TNAM
By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
Monday June 22, 206.