Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has announced that Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) will be the owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant, to be developed in partnership with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
Wandayi said the decision aligns with President William Ruto’s call for Kenya to add about 10 GWe of electricity to boost the economy. He noted that the first nuclear development will be approximately 2 GWe, with plans to scale up to 6 GWe over time. “This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era,” he said. “Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest.”
The announcement came during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between KenGen and NuPEA establishing a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for nuclear power. The agreement launches one of the most comprehensive public-engagement initiatives in Kenya’s energy history, aimed at building understanding, confidence, and preparedness as the country evaluates nuclear power as a future component of its energy mix.
Wandayi emphasised that the partnership prioritises transparent communication and scientific accuracy. “This MoU will deepen public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance institutional capabilities, and prepare the ground for a reliable low-carbon baseload option,” he said.
KenGen Chairman Alfred Agoi noted that KenGen has long experience and expertise in construction, operation and maintenance of power plants ranging from Geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and now ready to lead the next phase to help Kenya develop its first nuclear power plant.”
KenGen Managing Director and CEO. Peter Njenga said: “Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power. Our partnership with NuPEA signals our readiness to play a central role in shaping Kenya’s energy future, anchored in industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo welcomed the partnership as a turning point in Kenya’s transition from planning to implementation readiness. Under the MoU, KenGen and NuPEA will establish a Joint Working Group responsible for: developing a national communication and public-engagement strategy, mapping key stakeholder groups across all counties, implementing nationwide public education and media campaigns, convening technical forums and expert dialogues, training journalists, county officials, educators, and community leaders on nuclear fundamentals, and creating a joint feedback and grievance-response mechanism aligned with global best practice.
The Framework will also support early-stage siting and land-related processes, with KenGen contributing expertise from decades of executing large-scale infrastructure projects. Both parties stressed that any siting activities will follow rigorous public-participation standards, continuous disclosure, and inclusive decision-making.
Currently, KenGen has an installed generation capacity of 1,786 MWe, over 90% of which is drawn from green sources namely: Hydro (826 MW), Geothermal (754 MW), Wind (25.5 MW). The balance is from Thermal.
If the plans proceed as outlined, nuclear power is expected to help stabilise electricity tariffs, minimise power outages, and create an energy landscape capable of supporting high-demand sectors such as manufacturing and digital industries.
The partnership between KenGen and NuPEA comes just two months after the government announced plans to set up a plant in Siaya County, after shifting the proposed project from Kilifi County following fierce opposition from residents. In contrast, leaders in Siaya have welcomed the relocation. The government has identified Lwanda Kotieno in Rarieda as the leading candidate site in Siaya.
Current plans are for a $4-5bn 1,000 MWe plant expanding to 20,000 MWe by 2040. Once the Siaya plant becomes operational, which is targeted for 2034, the government plans to roll out additional nuclear facilities in Kilifi and Kwale counties. It is also planning to introduce smaller nuclear units in every county based on small modular reactor (SMRs).
