Kenya: KenGen to operate country’s first nuclear energy plant

The first proposed nuclear energy plant in Kenya is expected to generate more than 20,000MW of electricity by 2040

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has been appointed as the owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear energy plant to be developed in partnership with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), as part of a broader plan to add up to 10GW of new generation capacity.

The Kenyan nuclear announcement was made in Nairobi this week by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi.

He said the decision supports President William Ruto’s target to rapidly expand electricity supply to drive Kenya towards middle- to high-income economy status. 

Kenya pushes on with nuclear energy plan

The initial nuclear project is expected to deliver about 2GW, with capacity to be scaled up to 6GW over time.

“This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear… era. 

“Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest,” said Wandayi.

The announcement coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KenGen and NuPEA to establish a Joint Engagement Framework focused on national readiness and public participation.

“This MoU will deepen public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance institutional capabilities, and prepare the ground for a reliable low-carbon baseload option,” said Wandayi.

Public awareness campaigns next

KenGen Chairman Alfred Agoi said the utility’s experience across multiple technologies positions it to lead nuclear development, while CEO Peter Njenga described nuclear as “the next frontier” in Kenya’s clean-energy transition.

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo said the agreement marks a shift from planning to implementation readiness. The partnership will roll out nationwide public awareness campaigns, stakeholder mapping, technical forums and journalist training, alongside early-stage siting processes.

The government said the nuclear programme is expected to improve energy security, stabilise tariffs and support industrial growth.

Projected gains from first nuclear plant build in Kenya

The first proposed nuclear energy plant in Kenya is expected to generate more than 20,000MW of electricity by 2040, with the output expected to increase energy security and decrease the country’s reliance on imports.

In September, Wabuyabo said the project would transform Kenya’s energy sector and eliminate the power shortages currently experienced.

“Kenya does not produce enough electricity to meet domestic demand, which is why the government has had to purchase power from Ethiopia and Uganda. The nuclear project will help bridge this gap,” said Wabuyabo.

Kenya’s multi-faceted nuclear programme

Wabuyabo revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to begin construction of the plant in Siaya County at an estimated cost of KSh500 billion (around $3.8bn). The project will require advanced technology and high-grade materials.

“The blackouts we experience will soon be a thing of the past. Nuclear energy will ensure consistent electricity supply for homes, industries and public institutions,” he added.

According to Wabuyabo, once the Siaya plant is operational, the government will roll out additional nuclear facilities in Kilifi and Kwale counties. In addition, smaller nuclear units will be introduced in every county through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The Siaya nuclear power plant will initially generate 1,000MW before gradually expanding to 20,000MW by 2040. Wabuyabo noted that the facility should create more than 10,000 jobs for Kenyan youth.

Cover photo:  KenGen/X