Since 2023, Kenya has formally proposed incorporating nuclear energy into its national electricity grid to meet growing power demands.
Recently, officials revealed that the country is moving closer to realizing this plan, with construction of a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power station in Siaya County expected to begin in 2027.
Although groundbreaking is only months away, completion of the plant is anticipated to take several years.
President William Ruto stated that the facility is projected to be operational by 2034.
What William Ruto said
Speaking at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy in Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized that the project is not solely for electricity generation but will also create economic opportunities for the local population.
He said, “During peak construction, the nuclear plant will provide between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs, ranging from manual labour to highly specialised engineering positions. Once the plant is operational, it will generate hundreds of permanent, well-compensated technical roles.”
On energy infrastructure, Ruto highlighted a strategic plan to expand the country’s installed electricity capacity from 3,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts within the next five to seven years, with 3,000 megawatts coming from nuclear sources.
He added, “We have deliberately decided to significantly boost our energy capacity. From our current 3,300 megawatts, we aim to reach a minimum of 10,000MW over the next five to seven years, 3,000MW of which will be supplied by nuclear energy. Construction of a 2,000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County will start next year (2027), with commissioning expected in 2034.”
The president also pledged that the nuclear project will drive broader infrastructural improvements in Siaya County, including the construction of all-weather roads, upgraded water supply systems, modern healthcare facilities, schools, and enhanced telecommunications networks, as reported by The Star.
“The initiative will further stimulate the local economy by raising demand for housing, hospitality, retail, and agricultural products,” he stated.
Eng. Peter Njenga, Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, noted that the government has selected KenGen to operate the nuclear plant, which is expected to have a lifespan of 60 to 80 years.
Other power projects in Kenya
Kenya recently launched a $2.9 billion energy project to build a 1,200-megawatt gas-fired power plant.
The plant, set to be developed in Dongo Kundu on the eastern edge of Mombasa’s port, will be executed through a partnership between private investors and KenGen.
In 2023, the country signed a $1 billion geothermal energy project at Suswa with the Indonesian government via Masdar-backed Pertamina Geothermal Energy.
Kenya also entered a trilateral agreement with fellow East African nations Ethiopia and Tanzania to supply 100 megawatts of power from Ethiopia to Tanzania.
Additionally, AMEA Power and Kenya’s Geothermal Development Company are advancing an $800 million investment in the 200MW Paka Geothermal Project.