Kenya has taken a decisive step toward introducing nuclear energy into its power mix after appointing the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) as the official owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant. The announcement was made by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, signalling a significant shift in Kenya’s long-term energy strategy as the country targets an additional 10 gigawatts of power over the next decade.
The move aligns with Kenya’s ambition to diversify its electricity supply, enhance energy security, and consolidate its reputation as a continental leader in clean power. Kenya already derives more than 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, but rapidly growing demand from industry, emerging technologies, electric mobility, and regional power markets has prompted the government to explore new baseload solutions.
In a statement released on Monday, CS Wandayi said the decision to appoint KenGen as the operator of the planned nuclear plant reflects the company’s strong technical expertise and long-standing public trust. “This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era. Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest,” he said.
The project will be developed in partnership with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the government entity mandated to coordinate Kenya’s nuclear power roadmap. NuPEA has in recent years undertaken feasibility studies, capacity-building programmes, international partnerships, and regulatory preparations needed to lay the groundwork for a potential entry into civilian nuclear power.
KenGen Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eng. Peter Njenga welcomed the announcement, calling it a natural evolution of Kenya’s clean energy journey. In a public statement, he noted that the company’s decades-long presence in hydropower, geothermal, and wind generation has equipped it with the experience needed to take on one of the most complex and technologically demanding roles in the global energy industry.
“We, at KenGen, have led Kenya’s clean-energy evolution, from hydropower to geothermal and wind. Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power,” Eng. Njenga said. He added that the partnership with NuPEA “signals our readiness to play a central role in shaping Kenya’s energy future, anchored in industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
Industry analysts say the decision to proceed with a nuclear operator designation marks one of the clearest indications yet that Kenya is serious about incorporating nuclear power into its long-term energy mix. Although nuclear development is a multi-decade endeavour requiring extensive regulatory review, infrastructure investment, and international oversight, assigning an operator is a critical foundational step.
Kenya has been evaluating the potential for nuclear power since adopting its first Nuclear Energy Programme in 2010. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency has since conducted pre-feasibility studies, human capacity development, and regulatory preparations aligned with guidelines issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The country has also sent hundreds of engineers, technicians, and policy specialists for training in nuclear science and engineering through partnerships with countries such as China, France, South Korea, the United States, and Russia.
Introducing nuclear power is expected to support Kenya’s ambitions to become a regional manufacturing hub. Large-scale industries such as steel, cement, electric vehicle assembly, and data centres require firm baseload electricity that is not subject to the variability of wind or hydrological conditions. Geothermal energy provides reliable supply but requires large upfront investment and is geographically constrained.
A nuclear power plant, once completed, could provide stable output for several decades with minimal carbon emissions, making it attractive for both energy security and climate commitments. Kenya aims to position itself as a green industrialisation destination, and a diversified baseload, including nuclear, could bolster investor confidence in power reliability.
Energy economists note that the appointment of KenGen as operator is consistent with global practice, where state-owned utilities often manage nuclear facilities due to their technical expertise, financial scale, and governance frameworks. KenGen currently manages more than 1,600 megawatts of installed generation capacity and is the largest geothermal producer in Africa.
However, the nuclear path also brings significant challenges. The country will need to strengthen regulatory frameworks, invest in advanced safety systems, and secure long-term financing. Nuclear plants are capital-intensive and require rigorous oversight from both domestic regulators and international bodies. Kenya will also need to address public awareness and safety concerns, a common issue in developing nuclear energy programmes worldwide.
NuPEA has previously indicated that Kenya is considering several potential sites for the plant, with coastal and lakeside regions among areas under review due to their access to stable water sources. Detailed environmental impact assessments and community consultations would precede any final approval.
The plan to add 10 gigawatts of new capacity reflects Kenya’s expectation of substantial growth in electricity demand in the coming years. The country is positioning itself as a regional power hub, selling excess renewable energy to neighbouring states and supporting the Eastern Africa Power Pool’s ambition for greater grid integration. Emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, data hosting, and electric mobility are also expected to increase demand for secure and sustainable electricity supply.
The government’s green-energy vision has earned strong support from development partners. Kenya’s renewable sector already attracts billions in annual investment, particularly in geothermal and grid-scale battery technologies. Adding nuclear energy to the mix is expected to further diversify the investment landscape and introduce new avenues for technology transfer and specialised training.
CS Wandayi said the appointment of KenGen as operator is part of a broader strategy to ensure Kenya’s future energy needs are met through a balanced and forward-looking mix. He emphasised that the nuclear project will be guided by the highest international safety and regulatory standards. The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that partnerships with global experts and institutions will remain central as the programme advances from planning to execution.
For KenGen, the announcement marks another step in its evolution from a traditional hydro-based utility to a diversified clean energy powerhouse. The company has said it intends to leverage its institutional capacity, engineering expertise, and operational track record to manage the nuclear project responsibly and transparently.
The coming years will involve further planning, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory review, but the appointment of an operator brings Kenya’s nuclear vision closer to reality. As the nation accelerates efforts to secure long-term, low-carbon baseload energy, the partnership between KenGen and NuPEA will be closely watched by regional and global observers.
