Kenya eyes 20,000MW from nuclear energy by 2040

The Siaya nuclear power plant will initially generate 1,000MW before gradually expanding to 20,000MW by 2040

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.

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.

In 2023, ESI Africa reported that Kenya had signed a 25-year deal with Ethiopia to start importing electricity to ensure the country meets peak demand. 

The 25-year deal with Ethiopia will see Kenya Power take up a maximum capacity of 200MW in the first three years, rising to 400MW for the remaining period.

Construction of first nuclear plant in Kenya

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 $3.8bn). The project will require advanced technology and high-grade materials.

“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,” he added.

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.

SMRs to be deployed

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.

The Siaya nuclear power plant will initially generate 1,000MW before gradually expanding to 20,000MW by 2040. Wabuyabo noted that the facility will create more than 10,000 jobs for Kenyan youth.

He assured the public 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.

Nuclear a 100-year investment for Kenya

Wabuyabo emphasised the long-term benefits, 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.

He further noted that 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,” he said.

The CEO confirmed that President William Ruto has endorsed the project, with local leaders from Siaya County also expressing their support.

Multi-faceted use of nuclear energy

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

“Nuclear medicine provides early diagnosis and improves treatment outcomes,” he said.

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.

He 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.

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 industrialisation, job creation, food security and improved healthcare. It is an investment that will define Kenya’s future for generations to come,” he said.

Kenya striving for universal energy access

In April, the International Energy Agency said 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.

Cover photo:  Recently, NuPEA Board of Directors met to discuss key financial and operational oversight. Source: nuclearkenya/X