Kenya has secured a groundbreaking deal with the European Union (EU) to receive approximately Sh1.9 billion (€12 million) in grants for its budding green hydrogen industry.

The agreement was signed by Kenyan President William Ruto and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey towards clean energy and environmental stewardship.

At the launch of Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, President von der Leyen praised Kenya’s commitment to combat climate change and achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2030, stating that it serves as an inspiration to other nations. She emphasized that the green hydrogen roadmap would be instrumental in helping Kenya meet its clean energy targets while reducing emissions, fostering a strategic industry, and enhancing export capabilities, especially to partners like the EU.

The roadmap outlined Kenya’s ambitions for the green hydrogen sector through 2032 and beyond, with a primary focus on domestic market development, export expansion, emissions reduction, job creation, and direct investment. President Ruto emphasized that this roadmap aligns with Kenya’s economic expansion goals, employment generation, and the promotion of environmental sustainability. Green hydrogen, he believes, will not only transform the energy landscape but also bolster food security, particularly in the production of tea, coffee, horticulture, floriculture, and cereals. Additionally, it will drive the decarbonization of industries and the overall economy.

Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, highlighted that green hydrogen represents the energy source of the future. She expressed Africa’s immense potential to lead in the development of this clean energy source. The EU’s support for Kenya’s green transition is part of the Global Gateway initiative, an investment strategy aimed at mobilizing €150 billion for Africa.

Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, stated that Kenya’s adoption of this visionary roadmap would solidify its position as a global leader in clean energy. The European Investment Bank, a significant financier of renewable energy projects in Africa, is ready to enhance technical and financial cooperation with Kenya and international partners to tap into Kenya’s abundant geothermal, solar, and wind resources.

Dr. Baerbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, pledged Germany’s ongoing support for Kenya’s innovative journey. Germany plans to provide a €60 million loan to support the production of green fertilizer in Kenya, contributing to sustainable food security. Furthermore, Germany is set to establish a hydrogen diplomacy office in Nairobi to intensify dialogue and cooperation with Kenya.