Kenya targets nuclear power expansion as President Ruto outlines energy strategy

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to significantly expanding its energy capacity, with nuclear power expected to play a central role in the country’s long-term electricity generation strategy.

Speaking at a recent engagement highlighted by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, the President stated that Kenya aims to scale up its total energy capacity to 10,000 megawatts, with approximately 30 percent projected to come from nuclear energy.

President Ruto noted that nuclear power offers a reliable and low-carbon baseload energy source capable of supporting industrialization and sustained economic growth. He pointed to global examples, including the United States, where nuclear energy contributes about 20 percent of electricity generation, and South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which has delivered stable power for decades.

Kenya is planning to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2027, supported by investments in human capital development, including the training of local engineers and the strengthening of university programmes in nuclear science and engineering.

The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority is positioned within the appropriate institutional framework to effectively carry out its regulatory mandate.

He further stressed the importance of public engagement and stakeholder education, noting that addressing misconceptions about nuclear energy will be critical to securing broad-based support for the programme.

The initiative forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, enhance energy security, and transition toward more sustainable and resilient power systems.