Kenya, Germany in final race to host 2029 World Geothermal Congress
By Kiprono Keileb, October 30, 2025Kenya is one step closer to hosting the prestigious World Geothermal Congress (WGC) 2029, after being shortlisted alongside Germany as the final contenders for the global event.
The State Department for Foreign Affairs, through its Directorate of International Conferences and Events (DICE), led by Ambassador Kwanya, joined a multi-sectoral team of government officials and stakeholders in a meeting with a delegation from the International Geothermal Association (IGA), which is in the country to assess Kenya’s readiness to host the conference.
The visiting IGA team is evaluating Kenya’s capacity, infrastructure, and logistical preparedness as part of the selection process.
“The visit comes as part of the evaluation process after Kenya’s bid, jointly advanced by the Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK) and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, was shortlisted alongside Germany for consideration to host the World Geothermal Congress 2029,” the statement reads
Kenya’s journey to this stage began in June 2025, when it submitted its bid alongside seven other countries: Ethiopia, New Zealand, Belgium, Turkey, Germany, Romania, and Austria.
The IGA later announced in July 2025 that only Kenya and Germany had made it to the final shortlist, a significant milestone that places Kenya on the global stage as a leader in renewable energy.
During the visit, the IGA delegation is expected to inspect potential venues such as the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for plenary sessions and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for side events.
“The IGA delegation will tour proposed venues, including the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for plenary sessions and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for side events. The visit also includes stakeholder consultations and technical assessments of Kenya’s conference infrastructure and logistics,” the statement reads
Speaking during the meeting, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said Kenya’s bid reflects its track record in renewable energy leadership and its growing influence in Africa’s clean energy transition.
“Kenya has demonstrated that geothermal energy can power not just homes, but sustainable economic growth,” said Wandayi. “Hosting the World Geothermal Congress in Nairobi would be both a continental and global recognition of Africa’s leadership in renewable energy.”
The State Department noted that the visit marks an important step in positioning Kenya as a preferred global destination for high-level international conferences, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainable development.