Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi now says that Kenya plans to construct its first nuclear power plant by 2034.
Speaking after meeting with the Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) William D. Magwood, IV, at his Railways office, Mudavadi said a research reactor will also be commissioned by the early 2030s.
He said the initiative will start in 2027 and aims to increase energy capacity, reduce Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as create significant job opportunities, to boost economic growth.
“Kenya is committed to leading in clean energy and advancing nuclear technology as part of sustainable energy strategy,” Mudavadi said.
During the meeting, the PCS and Magwood's discussion focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya's sustainable energy strategy, which aligns with NEA’s leadership goals to integrate atomic energy into our clean energy mix.
Key areas include deploying Small Modular Reactor technology, enhancing research, and building institutional sustainability.
Mudavadi said the government is keen to strengthen its partnership with NEA for Kenya’s long-term energy and development goals.
“As we move forward, this collaboration will play a vital role in the successful implementation of our nuclear energy program, contributing to the nation's prosperity and sustainability.”
The meeting came ahead of Kenya hosting the 2nd edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) from August 27 to August 30, 2024.
The summit will assess the industry’s readiness for nuclear energy adoption in Africa and seek to address concerns hindering nuclear power adoption in the region.
It is also expected to bolster existing relationships and establish new ones to reinforce cooperation in the nuclear energy sector while underscoring the opportunities nuclear power presents to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Participants will include policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders, engaging in educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics such as financing, workforce development, and supply chain preparedness.
