The government is seeking partnerships in the quest to build a nuclear power plant in 10 years, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has revealed.
Wandayi said Kenya will work with global partners to ensure that the country adheres to the highest standards of safety and industry readiness.
“As we look to the bright future powered by nuclear electricity in 2034, international cooperation is indispensable,” Wandayi said.
He added that by fostering bilateral and multilateral partnerships, Kenya will benefit from global best practices and technological innovations, ensuring a smooth and secure transition to nuclear energy.
“I wish to emphasise that peaceful application of nuclear science and technology will be a game changer in the socioeconomic development of the African continent and the globe,” the CS said.
Wandayi made the remarks in Nairobi during the opening ceremony of the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit 2024.
Delegates at the conference were drawn from the USA, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, France, Botswana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Morocco, Austria, Somalia, Benin, Namibia and Mauritius.
Nuclear Power and Energy Agency chair Ezra Odondi Odhiambo said Kenya’s nuclear power programme has been on a positive trajectory due to strong government support.
“The agency is working in collaboration with all national and international stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the programme safely and securely,” he said.
He noted that NuPEA is implementing two Vision 2030 Programmes; the first nuclear power plant to be commissioned in 2034 and the first nuclear research facility to be commissioned in 2030.
Wandayi added that nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for achieving the global sustainable development agenda.
He said nuclear power has long stood as a beacon of promise in this regard – offering clean, reliable, and continuous energy generation.
“It has a key role to play in decarbonizing the energy sector but also supports the attainment of all the Sustainable Development Goals – including the elimination of poverty, zero hunger, clean water, affordable energy, economic growth and industry innovation,” he stated.
Wandayi regretted that Kenya’s energy generation capacity remains low, stating that the challenge remains alive given the rising population and the accelerated socio-economic development.
He said maintaining energy security, affordability, and reliability is an urgent priority for Kenya, as it is for the African continent at large.
Wandayi said the conference in Nairobi underscores the significance of nuclear energy in our continent's journey toward sustainable development and energy security.
“Energy is a critical component to guarantee economic development. This entails the availability and accessibility of energy at an affordable price,” he said.
