Nairobi: Kenya has taken a historic step toward introducing nuclear energy into its national grid. The government formally designated KenGen as the owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant, marking the start of Kenya’s nuclear-power era.
According to Kenya News Agency, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) in Nairobi. This agreement sets the stage for one of the country’s most ambitious energy projects. Wandayi noted that the move aligns with President William Ruto’s directive to add 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity within seven years to propel Kenya into first-world economic status.
Wandayi stated that the initial nuclear facility would produce about 2,000 megawatts (2 GW), with plans to scale up to 6 GW, contributing significantly toward the President’s 10 GW target. He disclosed that NuPEA has already identified potential sites in Kilifi, Kwale, and Siaya counties.
The MoU establishes a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for nuclear power. It will oversee one of Kenya’s most comprehensive public engagement initiatives, focusing on transparent communication, scientific accuracy, and stakeholder involvement across all counties. Under the framework, KenGen and NuPEA will form a Joint Working Group to develop a national communication and public-engagement strategy, map key stakeholders across all counties, conduct nationwide public-education and media campaigns, and establish a feedback and grievance-response system aligned with global standards.
KenGen Board Chairman Alfred Agoi expressed readiness to lead Kenya into a new era of energy security, emphasizing the company’s extensive experience in power plant operations. NuPEA Chairman Eng. Prof. Lawrence Gumbe described the partnership as a turning point in Kenya’s transition from planning to implementation readiness, highlighting nuclear power’s stable baseload and safety.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to build a diversified and secure clean-energy system. He described the initiative as a national preparation effort to provide Kenyans with factual and timely information.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo confirmed the agency’s commitment to working with KenGen to meet the President’s timeline, with construction scheduled to commence in 2027 and energy expected on the grid within seven years.
