Kenya : Gov’t To Construct Nuclear Power Plant

The Kenyan government has announced the construction of a nuclear power plant. The project to start in 2027, is aimed at switching the country to clean energy and also the boost energy production. On Tuesday September 26, 2023, Justus Wabuyabo, the acting CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, told reporters that the organization is now completing site inspections and finalizing plans to open bids for the building of the facility. According to Wabuyabo, the facility will be built in Kenya’s coastal region over the course of six to ten years, with the first unit starting operations at the earliest possible date of 2034. 
The revelation follows approval by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2021 for Kenya to go ahead with setting up the infrastructure for the plants.  “We will do the bidding stage, at any time between 2026 and 2027 and start construction in 2027. Construction ranges six to ten years so we are looking at 2034-35 to commission the first plant,” Mr Wabuyabo said.
According to the nuclear agency’s strategic plan for 2020-2024, Kenya's ambitious journey towards construction of a nuclear power plant aligns seamlessly with Africa Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 is a continental development framework designed to propel Africa into a prosperous and sustainable future, placing a strong emphasis on energy access, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. 
The strategic plan notes that the decision to embrace nuclear power is underpinned by Kenya's burgeoning energy needs and the global imperative ...