Can Kenya’s AI ambitions coexist with Naivasha’s water needs?
Summary
Plans for a large data center powered by geothermal energy near Lake Naivasha in Kenya have been delayed due to concerns about power capacity. The project, a partnership between Microsoft and AI company G42, has raised questions about water use in an area already facing water shortages.Key Facts
- Microsoft and G42 announced a $1 billion investment for a data center near Lake Naivasha in 2024.
- The facility would use geothermal energy from the Olkaria area, known for its geothermal power plants.
- The project was put on hold in May 2026 because of concerns about enough power supply.
- Local residents already experience water scarcity and rely on water vendors for daily needs.
- Lake Naivasha and its surrounding area support farming, livestock, tourism, and geothermal energy production.
- Experts worry the data center’s water use could worsen water shortages during dry periods.
- The companies have not shared specific details about how much water the data center would use.
- Calls have been made for water-saving technologies like recycling water and using treated wastewater in cooling.
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