By Mercy Darko
Kenya has formally joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) to tap into its coastal wind potential and cement its leadership in green energy. Announced at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, the partnership grants Kenya access to global expertise, investment networks, and technical cooperation to develop its offshore wind resources.
GOWA’s Director of Operations, Rikke Povlsen, noted that Kenya’s entry marks a new chapter for African offshore wind, signaling the continent’s growing role in ocean-based renewable energy and sustainable climate action. Kenya’s membership establishes it as a regional pioneer, signaling Africa’s readiness to shape the future of ocean-based renewable energy.
‘Kenya has already established itself as a recognized leader in renewable energy and climate action. By joining GOWA, Kenya is helping to open a new chapter for offshore wind in Africa and sending a strong signal that African countries will play an important role in shaping the future of ocean-based renewable energy. This announcement comes at an important moment, as countries work to deliver their global commitment to tripling renewable energy capacity’, she stated.
‘Offshore wind is a significant untapped resource and we believe that the continent has an important role to play in the next phase of offshore wind growth. We are delighted to welcome Kenya to the Alliance and look forward to working closely together to unlock the opportunities that responsible offshore wind can bring to the communities, economies and future generations,’ she stated.
In a remark, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of Energy, Alex Wachira stated that this milestone will enhance a national grid already ranked among the world’s cleanest due to its high mix of geothermal, hydro, onshore wind, and solar power. He highlighted the economic opportunities of offshore energy, while underscoring that marine-based expansion requires strict environmental and social safeguards.
“Offshore wind offers more than clean electricity; it can strengthen energy security, diversify power systems, create jobs, attract investment, and support long-term economic transformation,” said Wachira.
Mr. Wachira further called for sound ocean governance, marine spatial planning, strong environmental safeguards, and meaningful engagement with coastal communities to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably. He added that the addition of offshore wind is viewed as the next frontier in achieving universal access to affordable and reliable power.
‘Economic growth and climate regulation yet it faces increasing threats from climate change pollution and the unattainable exploitation. The number of 338 gigawatts is real and in Kenya alone, we have the potential of 68 gigawatts of obsolete that is not a small number our geothermal energy potential in kenya is only 10 gigawatts today we are at 1 gigawatt of the 10 gigawatts we are at 1 gigawatt of the 10 gigawatts to zero of the 68 gigawatts so that means that this conference and the announcement of kenya becoming a global global option wind joining GOWA means a lot for the future generations because if you look at for example our our hydro potential in kenya is barely three thousand dollars,’ he stated.
