OVERVIEW OF GEOPHYSICAL DATA FROM MENENGAI GEOTHERMAL PROSPECT, KENYA

Geothermal energy has been earmarked in Kenya as a major source of electric energy to meet the country’s demand in future. Investigations have been carried out to evaluate the existence of heat sources, size and quality of high temperature geothermal reservoirs and capability of these hydrothermal systems to support long-term exploitation. Consequently, detailed exploration for geothermal power has been concentrated around volcanic centers within the rift valley. Studies show that these volcanic centers have positive indications of geothermal resource that can be commercially exploited. The geothermal potential of the area is associated with these magma chambers that constitute the heat sources. MT, seismic and magnetic data show that the heat sources are shallow beneath the volcanic centers. This review concentrates on the geophysical work that has been carried out in the Menengai-Olbanita Geothermal prospect. Gravity, aeromagnetic, seismic and resistivity data indicate that the geothermal prospect is large and detailed work need to be carried out to investigate the boundaries and define probable temperature distribution.