Kenya Nuclear Power Plant Plans Take a Powerful Leap as KenGen Named First Operator

Kenya has taken a bold step in its clean-energy ambitions after the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, announced that Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) will serve as the owner-operator of the country’s first Kenya nuclear power plant, developed in partnership with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).

The announcement signals a major milestone in the country’s plan to add 10 gigawatts of new power and advance President William Ruto’s vision of steering Kenya into a modern, first-world economy. The first Kenya nuclear power plant is expected to generate about 2GW, with a scale-up plan targeting 6GW of nuclear capacity over time.

“This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era,” CS Wandayi said, noting that assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures strong technical leadership, trusted public oversight, and alignment with long-term national goals.

The declaration coincided with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KenGen and NuPEA, establishing a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for nuclear energy.

The MoU launches one of the most extensive public-engagement programmes in Kenya’s energy history designed to build understanding, confidence, and preparedness as the country evaluates the Kenya nuclear power plant pathway.

CS Wandayi emphasized that the collaboration prioritizes transparency and scientific accuracy, ensuring Kenyans receive factual, accessible information at every stage of the nuclear-readiness process.

Why the Kenya Nuclear Power Plant Marks a Transformative Energy Moment

KenGen Board Chairman Hon. Alfred Agoi welcomed the move, noting the company’s decades of experience in operating geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar plants expertise now being extended to the Kenya nuclear power plant programme.

KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga added that the partnership is fully aligned with the company’s long-term plan to drive Kenya’s transition to a diversified, secure clean-energy mix.

“Today’s agreement is a bold step toward strengthening Kenya’s energy security,” he said. “Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power. Our partnership with NuPEA shows our readiness to support Kenya’s industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”

Njenga emphasized that KenGen’s designation as the owner-operator of the Kenya nuclear power plant builds on its operational depth and strong public trust. He noted that this phase is not just about communication it is about preparing the nation for a globally regulated, long-proven technology.

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo praised the partnership as a major turning point in Kenya’s shift from planning to full implementation readiness.

Under the MoU, the Joint Working Group will be responsible for:

• developing a national communication and public-engagement strategy,
• mapping stakeholders across all counties,
• rolling out nationwide public education and media campaigns,
• convening technical forums and expert dialogues,
• training journalists, county officials, educators, and community leaders,
• and establishing a joint feedback and grievance-response mechanism.

The Framework will also support early-stage siting and land-assessment processes for the Kenya nuclear power plant, guided by KenGen’s experience executing large-scale energy projects. Both agencies affirmed that all siting efforts will follow strict public-participation standards and transparent decision-making.

For consumers and investors, the establishment of the Kenya nuclear power plant promises more predictable electricity tariffs, reduced power interruptions, and an energy environment capable of supporting advanced manufacturing and digital industries.

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