Nairobi: Kenya’s proposed nuclear power plant is expected to generate more than 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2040, positioning the country as a power-sufficient economy. Speaking in Kakamega, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), Justus Wabuyabo, said the project would transform Kenya’s energy sector and eliminate the power shortages currently experienced.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wabuyabo explained that Kenya does not produce enough electricity to meet domestic demand, prompting the government to purchase power from Ethiopia and Uganda. The nuclear project is anticipated to bridge this gap. 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 Sh500 billion. The project will require advanced technology and high-grade materials.
Wabuyabo expressed optimism that blackouts will soon be a thing of the past, as nuclear energy will ensure a consistent electricity supply for homes, industries, and public institutions. Once the Siaya plant is operational, the government plans to roll out additional nuclear facilities in Kilifi and Kwale counties. Smaller nuclear units will also be introduced in every county through a new technology known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
With SMRs, compact nuclear power plants can be established across all counties, guaranteeing sufficient electricity, supporting industrial growth, and boosting economic transformation. The Siaya nuclear power plant will initially generate 1,000 megawatts before gradually expanding to 20,000 megawatts by 2040, creating over 10,000 jobs for Kenyan youth.
Wabuyabo assured the public of the safety of the technology, emphasizing that the nuclear project is guided by national and international laws, including emergency preparedness plans. The facility will operate under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which enforces strict safety guidelines.
He also highlighted the long-term benefits, noting that the project will outlast multiple governments, as nuclear power plants typically operate for over 100 years. Fuel costs are relatively cheaper compared to other energy sources, which will ultimately reduce electricity bills for Kenyans. Furthermore, nuclear projects are insulated from political interference, ensuring continuity and sustainability.
President William Ruto has already endorsed the project, and local leaders from Siaya County have expressed their support. Beyond power generation, Wabuyabo outlined other applications of nuclear technology, including its use in medicine for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, as well as in agriculture for food irradiation and crop improvement.
Nuclear science also contributes to industry through non-destructive testing, which identifies flaws in machinery without causing damage, ensuring efficiency and safety in industrial operations. Wabuyabo concluded by affirming NuPEA’s commitment to making nuclear energy a central pillar of Kenya’s development agenda, emphasizing its role in industrialization, job creation, food security, and improved healthcare.