Kenya is exploring nuclear energy as a long-term solution for base-load electricity generation and is on track to establish its first nuclear power plant. This is an avenue to realise the Vision 2030 development agenda to satisfy the growing energy demand. According to the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NUPEA), construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with commissioning expected in 2034. 

NUPEA and the China Nuclear Engineering and Construction Corporation Ltd. (CNEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration in technical transfer for nuclear energy implementation and development, aiming to support nuclear power programmes in Kenya. This provides a framework to ensure Kenya’s nuclear agency benefits from the exchange of technical expertise in research and innovation and enhances cooperation in the development of 19 nuclear infrastructure elements. The country is also establishing a nuclear research reactor to strengthen scientific, technological, and educational capabilities, further solidifying its role as a regional designated centre under the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

The proposed location of the nuclear plant has been subject to contention. The Kilifi coastline is set to be one of the potential locations. However, this has sparked opposition from residents and environmentalists due to the environmental hazards posed by this project. A lawsuit was filed in the environmental court by lawyers Collins Sang and Cecilia Ndeti in July 2023 on behalf of Kilifi residents, seeking to stop the plant, arguing that the process had been “rushed” and was “illegal”. 

In November that year, Kilifi residents filed a petition with Parliament calling for an inquiry. The petition, sponsored by the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), claimed that locals had limited information on the proposed plant and the criteria for selecting preferred sites. It raised concerns over the risks to health, the environment and tourism in the event of a nuclear spill, saying the country was undertaking a “high-risk venture” without proper legal and disaster response measures in place. The petition also raised concerns over security and the handling of radioactive waste in a nation prone to frequent floods and droughts. The Senate suspended the inquiry until the lawsuit was heard.

What Does This Mean for the Country?

Nuclear energy provides a reliable and uninterrupted source of baseload power, supporting Kenya’s growing electricity demand. Unlike renewable sources such as solar and wind, which are intermittent, nuclear power can run continuously, day and night, offering reliable energy security. This stability is critical for large-scale manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure development, all key pillars of Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda. In the long run, nuclear energy has the potential to reduce power costs and support the competitiveness of Kenyan industries.

When examining Africa as a whole, the Nuclear Business Platform (NBP) projects a surge in nuclear adoption across the continent, with an ambitious target of 15,000 MW of operational atomic capacity by 2035. This ambition is reflected in numerous national initiatives. It is reported that Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda plan to build 1,000 MW reactors. Nigeria and Egypt have set even higher goals, envisioning 4,800 MW of nuclear power each.  South Africa, already a frontrunner in African nuclear technology, aims to expand its capacity by an additional 2,500 MW.

The development of a nuclear plant could boost the economy and spur massive investment and job creation. However, it is important to note that nuclear power plants require enormous capital investments. As a country with an already increasing debt burden, we must consider how to achieve this goal sustainably. 

A key challenge, however, nuclear energy, despite its generally safe record in most countries, continues to face scepticism. The Chernobyl (1986), Three Mile Island (1979), and Fukushima Daiichi (2011) incidents resulted in significant consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and long-term health effects. 

Many Kenyans harbour deep-seated distrust of the government, stemming from a history of mismanagement, corruption scandals, a lack of transparency, and unfulfilled promises in previous infrastructure projects. This scepticism is further heightened when projects involve large sums of money, foreign contracts, and extended timelines. Building public trust will require proactive, transparent communication, robust environmental assessments, and continuous stakeholder engagement. Without this trust, even the most technically sound project could face resistance.