Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi has announced that Kenya plans to build its first nuclear power plant by 2034 as part of the country’s commitment to advancing clean energy. In addition to the power plant, a research reactor is scheduled to be commissioned by the early 2030s. This initiative, set to begin in 2027, aims to increase Kenya’s energy capacity, reduce CO2 emissions, and create significant job opportunities, thereby boosting the country’s economic growth.
Kenya’s Commitment to Clean Energy
Speaking after a meeting with William D. Magwood, IV, Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), at his Railways office, Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s focus on nuclear technology as a key component of the nation’s sustainable energy strategy. He expressed appreciation for the NEA’s role in mentoring young Kenyans in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, underscoring the importance of ongoing collaboration in advancing nuclear technology.
Strategic Collaboration with NEA
The discussion between Mudavadi and Magwood centered on the strategic deployment of nuclear technology in Kenya, aligning with NEA’s leadership goals to integrate atomic energy into the country’s clean energy mix. Key areas of focus include the deployment of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, enhancing research capabilities, and building institutional sustainability. Mudavadi highlighted the government’s intent to strengthen its partnership with NEA, viewing it as vital to the successful implementation of Kenya’s nuclear energy program.
“As we move forward, this collaboration will play a vital role in the successful implementation of our nuclear energy program, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and sustainability,” Mudavadi stated.
Kenya to Host the 2nd US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit
Kenya is set to host the 2nd edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) from August 27-30, 2024. This summit will assess Africa’s readiness for nuclear energy adoption and address the challenges hindering the integration of nuclear power in the region. The event aims to strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones to reinforce cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, highlighting the opportunities nuclear power presents in achieving Net Zero by 2050.
The summit will bring together policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders who will engage in educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics such as financing, workforce development, and supply chain preparedness. The first summit, held in Ghana, was organized by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with the Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission. The Accra summit focused on fostering international cooperation on nuclear technology, sharing innovative solutions, and shaping policies.
Deepening US-Africa Nuclear Industry Cooperation
The upcoming summit follows discussions held between President William Ruto and US President Joe Biden during Ruto’s state visit to the US in May 2024. Their talks focused on partnership in clean energy and resilience, including deepening cooperation between the US and Africa in the nuclear industry. This collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader energy and development goals, as the country seeks to integrate nuclear power into its energy portfolio and strengthen its position as a leader in clean energy across the continent.
