KENYA’S government has announced plans to open its first nuclear power plant by 2034 along the Indian Ocean coast, a move aimed at boosting the country’s energy capacity. The announcement comes ahead of a US-Africa summit on nuclear energy set for next week, but it has already sparked objections from activists and local residents concerned about safety and environmental impacts.
The 1,000-megawatt plant, expected to cost approximately KSh500bn (about 3.5bn euros), will begin construction in 2027. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that a research reactor would be operational by the early 2030s as part of Kenya’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology within its sustainable energy strategy.
‘Kenya is focused on leading in clean energy, and nuclear technology will play a significant role in our future,’ Mudavadi said.
The project aims to increase Kenya’s energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and create new job opportunities. Currently, Kenya generates about 90 percent of its energy from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydro-electric, wind, and solar power. President William Ruto has emphasised the country’s goal of reaching 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Local and environmental concerns
Despite the government’s ambitious plans, the proposed nuclear plant in Kilifi County, a region known for its pristine beaches, seafood, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, has raised significant concerns. The Kenya Anti-Nuclear Alliance, among other groups, has urged the government to prioritise renewable energy sources over nuclear power.
‘Pursuing a nuclear programme that risks the lives and livelihoods of our people is unnecessary when safer, cleaner, and more sustainable options are available,’ the group stated earlier this year.
Local residents are particularly worried about the potential environmental impact, especially in a region already struggling with plastic pollution.
A growing trend in Africa
Kenya’s nuclear ambitions are part of a broader trend across Africa. Currently, South Africa is the only African nation with a civil nuclear programme, operating two reactors for more than 30 years. Rwanda has also signed a deal with a Canadian-German startup to build an experimental nuclear reactor aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Kenya’s interest in nuclear energy dates back to the 2000s, gaining momentum in 2018 when several other African countries expressed interest in pursuing nuclear power. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), more than a third of the countries applying for nuclear energy are African, driven by the continent’s significant uranium reserves.
