GDC given clearance for feasibility study of Suswa geothermal site, Kenya

Valley view at Suswa, Kenya (source: flickr/ Wajahat Mahmood, creative commons)

Carlo Cariaga 7 May 2026

The Government of Kenya, through the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Unit of the Treasury, has given its approval for the feasibility study of the Suswa geothermal project in Narok County, Kenya. The authorization, granted to the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) as the Contracting Authority, was announced by the PPP Unit in its April 2026 report.

According to the description of the Suswa geothermal project, it is expected to deliver up to 300 MW of geothermal power generation capacity. The first phase envisions a development of 50 to 100 MW. The Suswa geothermal field has an estimated total potential of up to 750 MW.

Activities proposed for the initial phase include the drilling of 34 geothermal wells (production and reinjection), development of supporting infrastructure (roads, well pads, water supply systems), the construction of a steam gathering system , and the installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a power plant. The expected development and operation period for the first phase is 35 years – 10 years of steam field development, followed by 25 years of power generation.

Earlier this year, GDC announced that it had already mobilized drilling rigs for geothermal drilling in the Suswa project site. Detailed surface studies in Suswa were completed by GDC back in 2013.

GDC aims to replicate and refine the Menengai PPP model in both the Paka and Suswa geothermal fields. Through this model, the Government of Kenya, through GDC, plays an important role in undertaking early-stage, high-risk geothermal development activities including exploration, drilling, and infrastructure development. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) can then come in to build and operate power plants using steam purchased from GDC.

Source: PPP Directorate – Republic of Kenya and GDC