Kenya Sets Ambitious Nuclear Energy Target: 20,000MW by 2040 to Transform Power Sector

Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in nuclear energy development with an ambitious plan to generate 20,000MW of electricity from nuclear power by 2040. The East African nation’s first nuclear power plant, planned for Siaya County, represents a transformative shift in the country’s energy strategy as it seeks to eliminate power shortages and reduce dependence on electricity imports.

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Breaking Ground: Kenya’s Nuclear Energy Vision

The first proposed nuclear power 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. This ambitious project positions Kenya among the growing number of African countries pursuing nuclear energy as a solution to their power challenges.

The East African country’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus 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, as quoted by the Kenya News Agency.

Current Energy Challenges and Import Dependencies

Kenya’s current energy landscape reflects the urgent need for increased domestic production capacity. In 2023, the country signed a 25-year deal with Ethiopia to start importing electricity to ensure Kenya meets peak demand. The agreement with Ethiopia allows Kenya Power to take up a maximum capacity of 200MW in the first three years, rising to 400MW for the remaining period.

This dependency on regional imports highlights Kenya’s energy security vulnerabilities and underscores the strategic importance of developing domestic nuclear capacity. The country’s growing economy and expanding industrial base require reliable, consistent power supply that current infrastructure struggles to provide.

Recent power interruptions further emphasize these challenges. This week alone, Kenya Power announced planned power interruptions on Tuesday and Wednesday, collectively affecting at least 18 areas. In a notice on its website, the utility indicated that the interruption in electricity supply is part of network maintenance and would last up to nine hours.

The Siaya Nuclear Power Plant: A $3.8 Billion Investment

Wabuyabo revealed that plans are at an advanced stage to begin construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County at an estimated cost of KSh500 billion (around $3.8 billion). The project will require advanced technology and high-grade materials, representing one of the largest infrastructure investments in Kenya’s history.

“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,” Wabuyabo added.

The Siaya nuclear power plant will initially generate 1,000MW before gradually expanding to 20,000MW by 2040. This phased approach allows for gradual scaling while ensuring safety protocols and operational expertise are properly developed at each stage.

Expanding Nuclear Infrastructure: SMRs Across Counties

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).

“With SMRs, we can establish compact nuclear power plants across all counties. This will guarantee sufficient electricity, support industrial growth, and boost economic transformation,” he said.

Small Modular Reactors represent a newer generation of nuclear technology that offers several advantages over traditional large nuclear plants. SMRs are designed to be safer, more flexible, and require lower upfront capital investment. They can be manufactured in factories and transported to sites, reducing construction time and costs.

The deployment of SMRs across Kenya’s 47 counties would create a distributed nuclear energy network, improving grid stability and reducing transmission losses. This approach aligns with global trends toward smaller, more flexible nuclear technologies that can be deployed closer to demand centers.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The nuclear energy program promises significant economic benefits beyond electricity generation. Wabuyabo noted that the Siaya facility alone will create more than 10,000 jobs for Kenyan youth, spanning construction, operations, maintenance, and supporting industries.

The economic multiplier effects of nuclear energy development extend far beyond direct employment. The reliable power supply will attract energy-intensive industries, supporting Kenya’s industrialization goals. Manufacturing, mining, and technology sectors particularly benefit from the consistent, baseload power that nuclear plants provide.

Nuclear projects also stimulate local economies through supply chain development, infrastructure improvements, and the growth of specialized technical services. The long operational life of nuclear plants – typically 60-80 years – provides sustained economic benefits to host communities.

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Safety and Regulatory Framework

Addressing public concerns about nuclear safety, Wabuyabo assured that the technology is safe for both people and the environment. “The nuclear project is guided by national and international laws, including emergency preparedness plans. It will operate under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which enforces strict safety guidelines,” he said.

Kenya’s nuclear regulatory framework follows international best practices established by the IAEA. The country has been developing its nuclear infrastructure and regulatory capacity for several years, including training programs for nuclear professionals and establishing safety protocols.

Modern nuclear reactor designs incorporate multiple safety systems and passive safety features that significantly reduce the risk of accidents. These advanced technologies, combined with rigorous regulatory oversight, ensure that nuclear power can be deployed safely in Kenya.

Political Stability and Long-term Investment

Wabuyabo emphasized the long-term nature of nuclear investments, noting that the project will outlast multiple governments. “This is a century-long investment… Fuel costs are relatively cheaper compared to other energy sources, which will ultimately reduce electricity bills for Kenyans,” he said.

Nuclear projects are insulated from political interference, as required by international laws. “Once a nuclear project starts, it cannot be halted by a change in leadership. This ensures continuity and sustainability,” Wabuyabo explained.

The CEO confirmed that President William Ruto has endorsed the project, with local leaders from Siaya County also expressing their support. This political backing across party lines demonstrates the national consensus around nuclear energy development.

Beyond Electricity: Multi-faceted Nuclear Applications

Beyond power generation, Wabuyabo highlighted other applications of nuclear technology that will benefit Kenya. In medicine, nuclear technology is widely used in diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and CT scans, as well as in detecting and treating cancerous tumors.

“Nuclear medicine provides early diagnosis and improves treatment outcomes,” he said. Kenya’s healthcare system will benefit from enhanced nuclear medicine capabilities, improving cancer treatment and diagnostic services.

In agriculture, nuclear technology supports food security through innovations like food irradiation, which extends shelf life, and crop improvement methods that develop pest- and disease-resistant varieties. “This will reduce post-harvest losses and help secure Kenya’s food systems,” said Wabuyabo.

Nuclear techniques in agriculture include mutation breeding to develop improved crop varieties, sterile insect techniques for pest control, and soil and water management optimization. These applications can significantly boost agricultural productivity and food security.

Wabuyabo added that nuclear science also plays a role in industry through non-destructive testing. “This technology identifies cracks, dents or other flaws in machinery without causing damage, ensuring efficiency and safety in industrial operations,” he said.

Regional Context and African Nuclear Development

Kenya’s nuclear ambitions align with broader African interest in nuclear energy. Twenty-two African countries have expressed interest in nuclear energy for electricity needs, recognizing its potential to support economic development and energy security.

Several African countries are at various stages of nuclear program development. South Africa operates the continent’s only commercial nuclear power plants, while countries like Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria are advancing their nuclear programs.

Kenya’s approach, emphasizing safety, international cooperation, and phased development, provides a model for other African nations considering nuclear energy. The country’s focus on building domestic capacity and regulatory frameworks demonstrates responsible nuclear development practices.

Progress Toward Universal Energy Access

Kenya’s nuclear program supports broader energy access goals. In April, the International Energy Agency noted that Kenya is on track to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, “as ambitious implementation plans and electrification using clean energy technologies position the country as an economic and energy development leader across the region.”

“With a sustained focus on electrification, electricity access rates in Kenya rose from 37% in 2013 to 79% in 2023, with urban areas already achieving full access. The Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP), launched in 2015, has played a pivotal role in bringing electricity to nine million people in rural areas and reducing the number of people without access by nearly half in just under a decade,” the IEA reported.

Ongoing initiatives aim to connect an additional 280,000 households across the country by the end of 2025. Nuclear energy will provide the baseload power necessary to support this expanding grid and ensure reliable supply to new connections.

Looking Ahead: Transformational Impact

Wabuyabo affirmed NuPEA’s commitment to making nuclear energy a central pillar of Kenya’s development agenda. “This project is not just about electricity. It is about industrialization, job creation, food security and improved healthcare. It is an investment that will define Kenya’s future for generations to come,” he said.

The nuclear program represents a paradigm shift in Kenya’s energy strategy, moving from dependency on variable renewable sources and expensive imports toward energy independence through clean, reliable nuclear power. As Kenya advances toward becoming a middle-income country, nuclear energy will provide the stable foundation necessary for sustained economic growth and development.

The success of Kenya’s nuclear program could influence energy policy across East Africa, potentially catalyzing regional nuclear cooperation and technology sharing. As the country moves forward with implementation, it positions itself as a leader in Africa’s nuclear renaissance and a model for responsible nuclear development in emerging economies. With over 80 SMR designs in development globally, Kenya’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other developing nations pursuing clean energy solutions.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

5th September, 2025