Kenya has announced a major step toward transforming its energy landscape, with plans to construct a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County beginning in 2027. The project, which is expected to be commissioned by 2034, forms a central part of the country’s strategy to dramatically expand electricity generation capacity and strengthen long-term energy security.
Speaking during the International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2026 in Nairobi, President William Ruto said the government is committed to scaling up Kenya’s installed electricity capacity from the current 3,300MW to at least 10,000MW within the next five to seven years. A significant share of that expansion—about 3,000MW—will come from nuclear energy.
The announcement marks one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure projects in Kenya’s history and signals a long-term commitment to diversifying the country’s electricity mix beyond renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind.
“We have made a deliberate and strategic decision to significantly expand our energy capacity,” President Ruto said. “From our current installed capacity of 3,300 megawatts, we are committed to scaling up to at least 10,000MW in the next five to seven years, 3,000MW of which will be generated from nuclear energy.”
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Nuclear Energy as a Strategic Power Source
Kenya’s push into nuclear energy reflects a broader global trend as countries seek reliable, low-carbon power sources capable of supporting economic growth while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing concerns often associated with nuclear power, President Ruto emphasised that modern nuclear technology has been used safely for decades by many advanced economies.
“The word ‘nuclear’ often evokes fear and uncertainty, and I understand why,” he said. “However, this perception is not supported by evidence. Nuclear energy has been safely and reliably used for decades by the world’s most advanced economies to power development.”
Unlike fossil-fuel power plants, nuclear reactors produce virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making them an important tool in the fight against climate change.
Equally important, nuclear power plants operate continuously around the clock, providing stable base-load electricity that complements renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which can fluctuate depending on weather conditions.
Energy experts say that a reliable base-load power supply will be essential if Kenya is to achieve its ambition of becoming a regional industrial hub.
Economic Opportunities and Job Creation
Beyond expanding electricity generation, the nuclear power project is expected to create significant economic opportunities, particularly in Siaya County, where the facility will be located.
During the peak construction phase, the project is expected to generate between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs, ranging from manual labour roles to highly specialised engineering and technical positions.
Once operational, the facility will require hundreds of permanent employees, including engineers, technicians, safety specialists, and plant operators.
To prepare the workforce for these opportunities, the government plans to expand technical and vocational training programmes across the country.
“We want local communities to benefit directly from this project,” President Ruto said, noting that education and training initiatives will be developed to equip Kenyan workers with the necessary skills.
The government also expects the project to stimulate broader economic activity across the region.
Infrastructure Development in Siaya County
The nuclear plant is expected to trigger major infrastructure improvements in Siaya County, particularly in areas surrounding the proposed site in Bondo on the shores of Lake Victoria.
President Ruto said the government plans to invest heavily in roads, water systems, healthcare facilities, schools, and telecommunications infrastructure to support the project and surrounding communities.
“We will expand all-weather roads, improve water supply systems, build modern healthcare facilities and schools, and enhance telecommunications,” he said.
Officials believe the influx of workers and investment during construction will also stimulate demand for housing, hospitality services, retail businesses, and agricultural products.
Local leaders attending the conference expressed support for the project, noting that the plant could become a major economic anchor for the region.
A Long-Term Energy Investment
The proposed nuclear facility is designed with a long operational lifespan of 60 to 80 years, making it one of the longest-lasting energy assets in Kenya’s power system.
According to the government, the plant is expected to recover its capital costs within less than 20 years, after which it could provide relatively low-cost electricity for decades.
Officials estimate that nuclear energy could reduce electricity generation costs to between 4 and 5.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour, helping lower energy prices for businesses and households.
Lower electricity costs could also strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in manufacturing, technology, and industrial production, sectors that require reliable and affordable power.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and James Orengo, the governor of Siaya County, both expressed support for the initiative, noting that stable base-load power is essential for Kenya’s long-term economic transformation.
Key Project Details
Location: Bondo, Siaya County near Lake Victoria
Initial Capacity: 1,000MW to 2,000MW
Long-Term Expansion Potential: Up to 20,000MW by 2040
Estimated Cost: Approximately KSh 500 billion (about $3.8 billion)
Groundbreaking: March 1, 2027
Expected Commissioning: 2034
Operational Lifespan: 60 to 80 years
The project will be owned and operated by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), which the government formally designated in December 2025 as the plant’s owner-operator.
KenGen will be responsible for construction, maintenance, operational management, and selecting the specific reactor technology used in the facility.
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Institutions Supporting the Nuclear Program
Several institutions will play key roles in developing Kenya’s nuclear power program.
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) will serve as the primary implementing agency, coordinating the national nuclear roadmap and managing site preparation and stakeholder engagement.
Meanwhile, the National Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) will act as the independent regulator responsible for ensuring safety, security, and compliance with both Kenyan and international nuclear standards.
Kenya is also working closely with several international partners to support technology transfer, regulatory development, and technical expertise.
These include Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, which has shared experience in large-scale nuclear deployment and is considered a potential technology partner.
Other partners include the China Nuclear Engineering and Construction Corporation, which signed a memorandum of understanding with NuPEA to assist with infrastructure development and technical training.
International institutions are also supporting the project. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing guidance through its “Milestones Approach,” which helps countries build the regulatory and institutional frameworks required for nuclear power programs.
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency has also partnered with Kenya on regional nuclear forums, while the U.S. Department of State is supporting Kenya through its FIRST program, which helps countries explore the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Expanding Kenya’s Energy Portfolio
The nuclear project is part of a broader strategy by the Kenyan government to expand the country’s energy infrastructure and diversify its power mix.
Recently, Kenya launched a $2.9 billion energy initiative to build a 1,200MW gas-fired power plant in Dongo Kundu, located near the coastal city of Mombasa. The plant will be developed through a partnership between private investors and KenGen.
Kenya has also continued to invest heavily in renewable energy. In 2023, the country signed a $1 billion geothermal project in Suswa in partnership with Indonesian energy firm Pertamina Geothermal Energy.
In addition, Kenya recently signed a regional electricity agreement with Ethiopia and Tanzania to deliver 100MW of power from Ethiopia to Tanzania, strengthening regional energy cooperation.
Together, these projects are expected to help Kenya maintain its position as one of Africa’s most advanced clean energy systems, where renewable energy already accounts for the majority of electricity generation.
Kenya’s Long Nuclear Journey
Although the new announcement may seem sudden, Kenya’s nuclear ambitions have been developing for decades.
A more serious push began in 2010, when Kenya’s National Economic and Social Council recommended nuclear power as a national priority under the Vision 2030 development strategy.
Since then, the government has taken several steps to build the necessary institutional and regulatory framework. These include establishing specialised agencies, conducting feasibility studies, and inviting international experts to assess the country’s readiness for nuclear power.
In 2015, the IAEA conducted its first Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) in Kenya, evaluating the country’s progress in meeting the requirements needed to safely develop a nuclear program.
International Cooperation and Financing
Developing nuclear power plants requires significant financial resources and strong international partnerships, and Kenya is actively working to secure both.
President Ruto revealed that Kenya is currently negotiating a “123 Agreement” with the United States, which would enable civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
Such agreements are required under U.S. law before American companies can export nuclear technology or fuel to partner nations.
The president also called on international financial institutions, including the World Bank, to support financing for nuclear energy projects.
Access to affordable financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing nuclear power development, particularly in emerging economies where project costs can run into billions of dollars.
Outlook
Kenya’s decision to pursue nuclear energy represents a major milestone in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
If successfully implemented, the Siaya nuclear power plant could significantly expand Kenya’s electricity generation capacity while providing stable, low-carbon power for decades.
The project also highlights the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional energy leader, capable of supporting industrial growth and regional electricity trade.
However, building a nuclear power plant is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, strong regulatory oversight, and sustained financial investment. Ensuring public confidence, maintaining strict safety standards, and securing funding will be critical to the project’s success.
Still, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027, Kenya appears determined to move forward with one of the most ambitious energy projects in its history—one that could reshape the country’s power system and support economic development for generations to come.
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