More than 120 participants were in attendance for the “Italy-Kenya Business and Investment Forum on Geothermal” in the Kawi Complex Auditorium in Nairobi, Kenya. The event was held on 27 March 2023 and was organized by United Nations Industrial Development Organization – Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO) Italy.The forum promoted the development of new synergies and collaborations in the field of geothermal and beyond between the public and private sectors of Kenya and Italy. It is part of the UNIDO ITPO Italy’s ongoing mission to Kenya for an Italian business and institutional delegation in the geothermal sector under the umbrella of the “Fostering International Partnerships between companies and/or institutions operating in the Energy and Environment sectors” (FIPEE) project.
In collaboration for this event were the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, the Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK), and Unione Geotermica Italiana (UGI). It was also financially supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE).
“This Forum reflects the goals of the FIPEE project by facilitating investments, the transfer of skills and best practices, and policy dialogue to boost local markets for economic growth and energy cooperation,” said Valentina Maltese, UNIDO ITPO Italy’s FIPEE Project Coordinator during her speech.
Presiding over the forum, State Department for Energy Principal Secretary (PS) Alex Wachira mentioned that the Government of Kenya had issued geothermal resource exploration and development licenses to two public power companies and 14 Independent Power Producers. This is part of efforts to increase the national installed electricity capacity from the current 1000 MW to 10,000 MW by 2037.
During the main panel session of the forum, representatives from the major Kenyan stakeholders – including KenGen, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Akiira Geothermal Limited, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the Geothermal Training and Research Institute (GeTRI) at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – delivered technical presentations on geothermal energy in Kenya to provide the Italian delegation with a comprehensive overview of the local sector.
Later on, the Italian enterprises showcased their innovative solutions and expertise to the Kenyan and international audience. All the participants at the forum had the opportunity to interact and discuss possible opportunities for investment, business, and collaborations.
Kenyan Ambassador to Italy Jackline Yonga lauded the partnership between Kenya and Italy, and commended both countries for coming together to explore areas of cooperation in business and investment. “Kenya is a beautiful country renowned for our good nature, warmth and hospitality. Having you here is great pleasure,” commented Yonga.
