Kenya has officially appointed the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) as the owner and operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant, marking a major step toward expanding the national energy mix and supporting long-term industrial growth.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the initial phase of the project will deliver 2GW of nuclear power, with output expected to scale up to 6GW as additional phases come online. The government aims to add more than 10 gigawatts of new electricity capacity over the coming decades.
“Today marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era,” Wandayi said. “Placing KenGen at the centre of this project strengthens both technical credibility and public confidence.”
KenGen, NuPEA Sign Deal to Launch Nuclear Programme
The announcement accompanied the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA). The agreement establishes a Joint Engagement Framework designed to guide public awareness, stakeholder participation, and institutional preparedness for nuclear energy.
Under the framework, a Joint Working Group will craft a national communication strategy, map out key stakeholders across counties, run public education campaigns, convene expert forums, and train journalists and county officials on nuclear basics.
Government officials noted that site-selection activities will follow Kenya’s established public participation laws and transparency requirements.
KenGen, NuPEA Detail Roadmap for Implementation
KenGen board chair Alfred Agoi said the company’s extensive experience across geothermal, hydro, wind and solar generation makes it well positioned to manage Kenya’s first nuclear facility.
Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga added that nuclear energy will provide Kenya with a reliable, low-carbon baseload source essential for powering manufacturing, digital services and future industries.
“This agreement strengthens Kenya’s long-term energy security and lays the foundation for a modern, resilient power system,” Njenga said.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo described the partnership as a shift from planning to implementation readiness, signalling Kenya’s commitment to evaluating nuclear power as a key component of its future energy mix.