Kenya is taking bold steps into the hydrogen economy, starting with an ambitious green energy and industrial complex planned for Kaptagat, near Eldoret. Spearheaded by Tarita Green Energy, the project aims to produce hydrogen, ammonia, ammonium-based fertilizers, and 195 megawatts of solar electricity. All key inputs—freshwater, air, and solar energy—will be sourced directly from the site. The result will be a closed-loop, low-emission production system.
Green Hydrogen at the Core
The project’s core revolves around green hydrogen, a clean fuel gaining global traction as a replacement for fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is created through electrolysis, which uses solar-powered electricity to split water, extracted from air via distillation, into hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen from air to form ammonia. That ammonia becomes the base material for producing ammonium fertilizers.
The Kaptagat site benefits from its proximity to the Sosiani River, which will provide the freshwater needed for electrolysis. Solar power generated on-site will support the energy needs of the facility and feed additional electricity into the national grid. Because these processes generate little to no carbon emissions, the project qualifies as a top candidate for international climate finance.
A Growing Global Market
Worldwide, green hydrogen is emerging as a clean energy solution for transportation and industrial heating. Japanese automakers are currently developing advanced engines that run on hydrogen, offering a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel. Hydrogen mobility could compete directly with electric vehicles, especially as the EV sector faces growing pressure from geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues tied to critical battery minerals.
Local Benefits and Industrial Potential
In addition to transport, hydrogen’s high flame temperature makes it ideal for industrial heating. Locally generated hydrogen from Kaptagat is expected to power the complex itself, and it could also attract other manufacturers to the area seeking clean energy solutions. This sets the stage for a broader industrial ecosystem rooted in green innovation.
The Kaptagat initiative touches several key ministries—including energy, industry, agriculture, and environment—and holds the potential for a significant GDP boost. By reducing dependence on imported fertilizers and fossil fuels, the project could cut costs and increase economic resilience. The export potential for ammonia and ammonium fertilizers across the East African region adds another layer of opportunity.
Advancing Food Security and Job Creation
Perhaps most critically, the project supports Kenya’s food security goals by enhancing fertilizer accessibility and affordability. With clean energy readily available, Kaptagat could evolve into a full-scale industrial park, particularly for agro-processing businesses. This development would create high-value jobs for university and vocational training (TVET) graduates.
The Kaptagat model also mirrors a proposed green hydrogen investment at the Grand Falls Dam along the Tana River. These initiatives show that Kenya can replicate green hydrogen hubs wherever freshwater resources exist. As hydrogen and solar technologies advance, smaller-scale applications could spread across various sectors.
A Path Toward a Greener Economy
This vision outlines a future economy powered by solar and hydrogen. It also represents an opportunity Kenya should prioritize through policy support and streamlined licensing. The potential impact on industrial growth, energy security, and employment makes green hydrogen a cornerstone of Kenya’s sustainable development.
