Kenya to host second major US-Africa energy summit in August

Kenya is set to host the second edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) with key focus being the industry’s readiness and the future of nuclear energy on the continent.

It follows the first summit held in Ghana by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

The summit planned for August will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders from the US and Africa.

They will be seeking to address the critical issues hindering the adoption of nuclear energy power in the region.

Kenya plans to put up the first nuclear power plant of 1,000 megawatts at the identified sites in Kilifi and Kwale.

White House said in a statement said the conference will comprise educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics from financing and workforce development to supply chain preparedness.

“The Summit aims to underscore the opportunities nuclear power presents to reach Net Zero by 2050 and further strengthen the robust ties between the United States and Kenya,” reads the statement.

During his state visit to the US, President William Ruto and his counterpart Joe Biden held discussions centered on partnership on clean and resilience including the deepening US-Africa Nuclear Industry Cooperation.

During the first meet in Accra, participants engaged in critical dialogues on nuclear energy issues focusing on fostering international cooperation, sharing innovative solutions, and shaping policies.

It also catalysed positive change and a platform to strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones to enhance cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo told the Star recently that Kenya is currently on milestone two, a stage where preparatory works are being undertaken for constructing the first power plant.

The activities to be conducted here include ensuring there are enough personnel; deciding how to finance it and ensuring there are necessary legal and regulatory frameworks in place.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in which Kenya is a member has set out a 'Milestone Approach', which countries must adhere to.

“In 2032, we shall commission it if everything goes as planned, and at this stage, we shall be said to have attained Milestone 3,” Wabuyabo said.

In each of the three phases, there are 19 nuclear infrastructure issues requiring specific actions which a country must attain.

“We hope to conclude the invitation of bids in June 2026 and in 2027, we hope to invite the President to the groundbreaking for the inaugural nuclear power plant,” he stated.

“We intend to put up a plant of 1,000 megawatts, which will be delivered in five years,” he added.