Kenya will have nuclear power plant by 2034 – Mudavadi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has noted that Kenya plans to construct its first nuclear power plant by 2034.

Mudavadi said that a research reactor will also be commissioned by the early 2030s.

He said the initiative will begin in 2027 and aims to increase energy capacity, reduce CO2 emissions, and create significant job opportunities, boosting economic growth.

“Kenya is committed to leading in clean energy. Kenya focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya’s sustainable energy strategy,” Mudavadi said.

He spoke after a meeting with the Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), William Magwood, IV, at his Railways office.

Mudavadi appreciated NEA’s mentorship of young Kenyans in STEM, highlighting the importance of the ongoing collaboration.

Their discussion focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya’s sustainable energy strategy and aligns with NEA’s leadership goals to integrate atomic energy into our clean energy mix.

Key areas include deploying Small Modular Reactor technology, enhancing research, and building institutional sustainability.

Mudavadi said the government is keen to strengthen partnership with NEA for Kenya’s long-term energy and development goals.

“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,” he said.

Kenya is scheduled to host the second edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) from August 27- August 30, 2024.

The summit will assess the industry’s readiness for nuclear energy adoption in Africa and seek to address concerns hindering nuclear power adoption in the region.

It also aims to bolster existing relationships and establish new ones to reinforce cooperation in the nuclear energy sector while underscoring the opportunities nuclear power presents to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Participants will include policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders, engaging in educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics such as financing, workforce development, and supply chain preparedness.

The first summit was held in Ghana 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.

President William Ruto, during his state visit to the US in May,  and his counterpart President Joe Biden held discussions centered on partnership on clean energy and resilience, including deepening US-Africa nuclear industry cooperation.