KenGen to host East Africa's first data centre powered by Geothermal

KenGen is set to host the first green data centre in East Africa. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) is set to host the first green data centre in East Africa.

The data centre project will cost one billion (USD), and will be domiciled at its Green Park, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

When complete, the campus will fully run on renewable geothermal power at the Olkaria Geothermal fields.

The announcement was made during President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States.

This was after Microsoft and G42 (a leading AI and cloud computing company based in the UAE) committed to developing a renewable energy-powered cloud data centre in Kenya.

“As part of this ambitious project, G42 will build a sustainable, state-of-the-art data centre campus powered entirely by geothermal energy from KenGen's iconic Olkaria geothermal fields,”

President Ruto has applauded the move by KenGen and the other parties for coming together, saying the project will bring together like-minded experts from three countries.

"This partnership embodies our aspiration to accelerate technological innovation and build a thriving digital economy for Africa and beyond."

KenGen CEO Peter Njenga lauded the partnership between Microsoft and G42, saying KenGen was ready to provide the needed green energy to power the project.

“This is the second Tier IV Data Centre that KenGen Green Energy Park is hosting, following a groundbreaking ceremony last year with Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) in Olkaria, Naivasha, in a move we believe will catalyze industrialization in the region,” said Eng. Njenga. 

The data center campus is scheduled to break ground in the final Quarter of this year and is expected to be fully functional in two years.

“Notably, the park presents an alluring opportunity for investors seeking collaboration with KenGen to establish industries within a green energy-focused environment,” he said. 

According to KenGen, the Green Energy Park spanning an impressive 342 hectares, will accommodate a harmonious blend of industrial and non-industrial activities.