Kenya is taking decisive steps toward developing its first nuclear power plant, with groundbreaking planned for 2027 and commissioning set for 2034. Speaking during an interview, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo outlined significant achievements and strategies in place to ensure the success of this transformative project.
International Collaborations and Human Capital Development
Central to the project’s progress are key international collaborations. NuPEA has partnered with global nuclear powerhouses, notably China and South Korea, to provide advanced training for Kenyan personnel. Currently, five Kenyans are pursuing specialized studies at Tsinghua University in China, while eight others are enrolled at KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) and Seoul National University in South Korea.
Wabuyabo revealed plans to expand these opportunities, with both countries pledging to increase scholarships for Kenyan students from five to 100 annually over the next three years. “These initiatives aim to build a new generation of highly skilled professionals to support Kenya’s nuclear energy ambitions,” he stated.
Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
A robust legal and regulatory framework is another pillar of the nuclear energy program. Wabuyabo emphasized the importance of enacting a national nuclear law to define roles and responsibilities within the nuclear sector.
The framework will establish key institutions, including an owner-operator for the plant and a radioactive waste management agency. Additionally, the agency plans to ratify various international treaties by 2026 to bolster confidence among development partners and streamline the project’s implementation.
Strategic Engagements and Future Events
This year, NuPEA achieved a significant milestone by hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) in Nairobi. The summit provided a platform for Kenya to build networks with leading global nuclear energy firms and governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The engagements resulted in commitments to enhance the capacity of Kenya’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) and sponsor scientific visits for policymakers, local communities, and other stakeholders to nuclear facilities in China and Europe.
Looking ahead, NuPEA plans to host a National Nuclear Energy Conference in August 2025. The event will bring together nuclear experts from countries like the U.S., France, South Korea, and Russia, alongside African industry leaders. According to Wabuyabo, the conference will be pivotal in sharing best practices and lessons learned from countries successfully utilizing nuclear technology.
Addressing Local Concerns and Land Acquisition
The nuclear plant is set to be established in Kilifi County, where NuPEA plans to engage local leaders and communities to address concerns. Discussions with the Ministry of Lands and the Lands Commission are underway to finalize land acquisition.
“Community engagement is critical to gaining public support and ensuring the smooth implementation of the project,” Wabuyabo explained.
Roadmap to 2027 and Beyond
NuPEA plans to invite bids for the construction of the nuclear plant by 2026. The agency also aims to collaborate with local universities and technical institutions to equip Kenyan youth with the necessary skills for careers in the nuclear sector.
Political goodwill will be essential, Wabuyabo noted, emphasizing the need for top leadership, including the President, to publicly support the project. “Such declarations would instill confidence among both local and international stakeholders involved in developing Kenya’s nuclear energy infrastructure,” he said.
A Vision for a Sustainable Energy Future
Kenya’s ambitious nuclear energy project marks a significant step toward diversifying its energy sources and addressing the country’s growing electricity demand. By investing in international collaborations, human capital, legal frameworks, and community engagement, NuPEA is laying a solid foundation for a nuclear-powered future.
As plans progress, the upcoming National Nuclear Energy Conference in 2025 .
