Kenya has moved closer to developing its first nuclear power plant after the government formalised a partnership between the nuclear agency and KenGen.
The agreement, an MoU, between the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) sets up a framework for a planned power plant.
Following extensive evaluations, NuPEA has settled on Siaya county as the preferred location for the Sh500 billion nuclear power project, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The agreement signed last week designates KenGen as the owner-operator of the facility, in line with requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Under IAEA guidelines, countries seeking to establish nuclear power plants must appoint an owner-operator responsible for the physical plant and equipment, licensing and regulatory compliance, staffing and training, and overall operational management.
Owner-operator KenGen will be responsible for safety, security
and environmental protection.
By assigning KenGen this mandate, the government said it aims to anchor Kenya’s nuclear programme in an institution with deep technical capacity, extensive operational experience, and strong public trust, while safeguarding long-term national interests.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who witnessed the signing of the agreement last week, called it a strategic milestone. He said it is aligned with President William Ruto’s vision of expanding electricity generation to drive economic transformation.
The government intends to add about 10,000 MW to the national grid to support industrialisation and propel Kenya towards a first-world economy, he said.
Wandayi said the initial nuclear power development is expected to generate about 2,000 MW and scale up nuclear capacity to about 6,000 MW over time.
“This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era,” the CS said.
The agreement also establishes a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national preparedness for nuclear power.
Officials said the framework will underpin one of the most comprehensive public-engagement initiatives in Kenya’s energy sector, aimed at building understanding, confidence and readiness as the country evaluates nuclear power as part of its energy mix.
Wandayi emphasised that transparency and scientific accuracy would be central to the nuclear planning process.
“This memorandum of understanding will deepen public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance institutional capabilities, and prepare the ground for a reliable low-carbon baseload energy option,” he said.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo called the partnership a turning point in Kenya’s transition from long-term planning to implementation readiness. He said the agreement provides a clear institutional structure required to move the nuclear programme forward in line with international best practices.
"The framework will also support early-stage siting and land-related processes, with KenGen contributing expertise gained from decades of executing large-scale infrastructure projects," Wabuyabo said.
Under the MoU, NuPEA and KenGen will establish a Joint Working Group tasked with developing a national communication and public engagement strategy.
The group will map key stakeholder groups across all counties, roll out nationwide public education and media campaigns and convene technical forums and expert dialogues. It will train journalists, county officials, educators and community leaders on nuclear fundamentals.
It will also set up a joint feedback and grievance-response
mechanism aligned with global standards.
Both parties emphasised that all siting activities will adhere to rigorous public-participation requirements, continuous information disclosure and inclusive decision-making.
The choice of Siaya county as the preferred location is based on proximity to Lake Victoria, a large and reliable water source essential for reactor cooling and plant operations. The location was cited as a key technical consideration, consistent with global nuclear siting practices.
NuPEA has identified eight candidate sites along the Lake Victoria shoreline in Bondo and Rarieda subcounties for further study.
Local leaders, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, have publicly endorsed the project, citing its potential to stimulate industrialisation, create jobs and drive long-term economic transformation in the region.
Kilifi county had initially been favoured for technical reasons, particularly its coastal access, but local opposition slowed progress.
Other sites previously identified included Uyombo in Kwale county and areas around Lake Turkana, underscoring the breadth of the nationwide assessment conducted before Siaya emerged as the preferred option.
KenGen chairman Alfred Agoi cited the company’s long experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of power plants across geothermal, hydro, wind and solar technologies.
He said KenGen was ready to lead the next phase of Kenya’s energy development by delivering its first nuclear power facility.
KenGen managing director Peter Njenga said the collaboration aligns with the utility’s long-term strategy of supporting a diversified, secure and clean energy system.
“Today’s agreement marks a bold step forward for Kenya’s energy
security,” he said.
KenGen has led Kenya’s clean-energy evolution from hydropower to geothermal and wind, Njenga said.
"Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power," he said.
“Our 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,” Njenga said.
