Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that Kenya will begin the construction of its inaugural nuclear power plant in 2027 to enhance the country’s energy capacity.

Speaking on Thursday after meeting with William D. Magwood, IV, Director-General of the United States Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Mudavadi said Kenya will have a plant by 2034 to reduce carbon emissions, create significant job opportunities, and boost economic growth.

Their discussion focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya’s sustainable energy strategy and aligns with NEA’s leadership goals to integrate atomic energy into our clean energy mix.

Key areas include deploying Small Modular Reactor technology, enhancing research, and building institutional sustainability.

Mudavadi said the government was keen to strengthen its partnership with NEA to achieve Kenya’s long-term energy and development goals.

“As we move forward, this collaboration will play a vital role in the successful implementation of our nuclear energy program, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and sustainability.”

In addition, Kenya will host the 2nd edition of the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) from August 27-30.

The summit will assess the industry’s readiness for nuclear energy adoption in Africa and seek to address concerns hindering nuclear power adoption in the region.

It aims to bolster existing relationships and establish new ones to reinforce cooperation in the nuclear energy sector while underscoring the opportunities nuclear power presents to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Participants will include policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders, engaging in educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics such as financing, workforce development, and supply chain preparedness.