The 2026 Geothermal Conference in Nakuru convened energy developers, development financiers, and commercial banking representatives for structured discussions on scaling geothermal projects through improved financing models, risk allocation frameworks, and project structuring approaches aimed at strengthening bankability within Kenya’s renewable energy pipeline.
Co-operative Bank of Kenya participated in the forum held in collaboration with the Geothermal Development Company, contributing perspectives on financing structures designed to support long-term geothermal expansion and energy transition goals.
The discussions brought together a cross-section of institutions involved in energy development and infrastructure financing, with emphasis placed on mechanisms that can reduce project risk and improve capital mobilisation for geothermal exploration and production activities.
Participants examined how blended finance structures, development funding, and commercial lending models can be aligned to support project viability from early exploration stages through to full-scale generation capacity.
Attention was also directed toward structuring investments in ways that improve predictability of returns while maintaining long-term sustainability of energy assets.
Mark Mathenge of Co-operative Bank took part in a technical panel focused on investment scaling strategies for geothermal development, contributing insights on financing approaches that can improve access to capital for large-scale renewable energy projects.
The panel examined risk-sharing frameworks between lenders, developers, and development finance institutions, alongside contractual structures that can strengthen project feasibility and attract long-term investment participation.
Other panellists included representatives from GDC, Globeleq, KfW, and Sosian, reflecting a mix of public sector, private sector, and development finance perspectives within the geothermal investment ecosystem.
The session also explored the role of commercial banks in supporting infrastructure financing through tailored credit solutions, project appraisal models, and structured finance arrangements that align with long-term energy project cycles.
Co-operative Bank’s participation reflects its continued involvement in financing discussions linked to renewable energy development, with emphasis on supporting investment structures that enable scalable and sustainable energy generation capacity in Kenya.
The geothermal sector remains a key component of Kenya’s energy mix, with ongoing investments directed toward expanding capacity and reducing reliance on conventional power sources through cleaner and more predictable baseload generation.
Engagements at the Nakuru conference reflected continued alignment between financial institutions and energy sector developers on unlocking capital for next-phase geothermal projects.
