The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya

Sitati Olando; Mary Nyawira Mwenda; Reuben Wambua Kikwatha; Charles Mallans Rambo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya

Sitati Olando^*

, Mary Nyawira Mwenda

, Reuben Wambua Kikwatha

, Charles Mallans Rambo

Published in International Journal of Sustainable Development Research (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 4 February 2025 Accepted: 21 February 2025 Published: 28 February 2025

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Abstract

Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.

Published in	International Journal of Sustainable Development Research (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
Page(s)	25-39
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Financing Structure, Government Support, Delivery Capability, Geothermal Energy Development Project Completion

References

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Olando, S., Mwenda, M. N., Kikwatha, R. W., Rambo, C. M. (2025). The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 11(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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Olando, S.; Mwenda, M. N.; Kikwatha, R. W.; Rambo, C. M. The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Res. 2025, 11(1), 25-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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Olando S, Mwenda MN, Kikwatha RW, Rambo CM. The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. Int J Sustain Dev Res. 2025;11(1):25-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13,
  author = {Sitati Olando and Mary Nyawira Mwenda and Reuben Wambua Kikwatha and Charles Mallans Rambo},
  title = {The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya
},
  journal = {International Journal of Sustainable Development Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {25-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  abstract = {Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya

AU  - Sitati Olando
AU  - Mary Nyawira Mwenda
AU  - Reuben Wambua Kikwatha
AU  - Charles Mallans Rambo
Y1  - 2025/02/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
T2  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
JF  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
JO  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1832
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
AB  - Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.

VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Sitati Olando

Department of Management Science and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0009-0006-1220-5531
Mary Nyawira Mwenda

Department of Management Science and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5328-6431
Reuben Wambua Kikwatha

Department of Management Science and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5328-6431
Charles Mallans Rambo

Department of Management Science and Project Planning, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0970-865X

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Olando, S., Mwenda, M. N., Kikwatha, R. W., Rambo, C. M. (2025). The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 11(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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Olando, S.; Mwenda, M. N.; Kikwatha, R. W.; Rambo, C. M. The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Res. 2025, 11(1), 25-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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Olando S, Mwenda MN, Kikwatha RW, Rambo CM. The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya. Int J Sustain Dev Res. 2025;11(1):25-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13,
  author = {Sitati Olando and Mary Nyawira Mwenda and Reuben Wambua Kikwatha and Charles Mallans Rambo},
  title = {The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya
},
  journal = {International Journal of Sustainable Development Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {25-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsdr.20251101.13},
  abstract = {Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya

AU  - Sitati Olando
AU  - Mary Nyawira Mwenda
AU  - Reuben Wambua Kikwatha
AU  - Charles Mallans Rambo
Y1  - 2025/02/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
T2  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
JF  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
JO  - International Journal of Sustainable Development Research
SP  - 25
EP  - 39
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1832
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
AB  - Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.

VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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