Kenya signs work plan as nuclear power project gathers pace

Kenya has taken another step towards developing nuclear energy after signing a new three-year cooperation framework with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

 This sets the stage for the next phase of preparations for the country's first nuclear power plant.

 The Integrated Work Plan (IWP) for the 2026–28 cycle was concluded during high-level technical meetings in Vienna between June 29 and June 30.

 The framework aligns Kenya's nuclear priorities with IAEA technical support as the country advances plans to develop civilian nuclear power.

 The Kenyan delegation was led by Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo and included senior officials from NuPEA, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA).

 "The Integrated Work Plan provides a clear roadmap for technical cooperation and strengthens Kenya's preparedness as we move towards implementing our nuclear power programme," Wabuyabo said.

 The joint participation of the three institutions highlighted Kenya's coordinated approach to implementing its nuclear energy programme in line with international safety and regulatory standards.

 The agreement comes as the government moves ahead with plans to construct a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya county, a project expected to become one of the country's largest energy investments.

 The plant, estimated to cost about Sh500 billion ($3.8 billion), is scheduled for groundbreaking in 2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2034.

 Once operational, it is expected to provide reliable baseload electricity, support industrial growth and reduce dependence on weather-dependent renewable energy sources.

 Government projections indicate the plant could help lower electricity costs for manufacturers to between 4 and 5.5 US cents per unit, enhancing Kenya's competitiveness as a regional industrial hub.

 Lake Victoria was selected as the preferred location because it offers the large and continuous water supply required to cool nuclear reactors.

 During the Vienna meetings, Kenya and the IAEA also reaffirmed the roles of the country's three key nuclear institutions.

 KenGen, which was designated the owner-operator of the future nuclear power plant by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in December 2025, will oversee project financing, technology procurement, construction and eventual plant operations.

 "The designation of KenGen as owner-operator ensures the project is anchored on an institution with decades of experience in developing and managing complex power generation infrastructure," Wabuyabo said.

 The utility is expected to draw on its experience in managing large-scale geothermal and hydropower projects as it prepares to operate the country's first nuclear facility.

 NuPEA will continue serving as Kenya's Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation under the Energy Act, 2019.

 Its mandate includes policy development, strategic planning, capacity building, site characterisation and public engagement in communities hosting the project.

 Meanwhile, the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority will remain the independent regulator responsible for licensing, radiation protection, nuclear safety, security and compliance with international non-proliferation obligations.

 The authority will also oversee environmental safeguards and the management of radioactive materials to ensure public safety.

 Before concluding their visit, the Kenyan delegation held consultations with officials at Kenya's Permanent Mission in Vienna, led by Ambassador Edwin Afandi, to brief them on the country's progress in implementing the nuclear programme.

 "Building a nuclear programme is not only about technology. It is also about people, institutions and long-term capability," officials noted during the Vienna engagements.

 The newly signed Integrated Work Plan provides a roadmap for technical cooperation over the next three years.

 It covers infrastructure development, regulatory strengthening, human resource training and environmental assessments.

 The latest agreement marks another milestone in Kenya's long-term strategy to diversify its energy mix and meet growing electricity demand through low-carbon, reliable power generation while adhering to international nuclear safety standards.