- Kenya plans to build its first nuclear power plant by 2034 as the country prepares to host a US-Africa summit.
- Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit next week to address the continent’s readiness for nuclear power.
Kenya plans to build its first nuclear power plant by 2034 as the country prepares to host a US-Africa summit on nuclear energy.
The plant is to be located on the Indian Ocean coast, and objections to safety and environmental concerns have already been raised among activists and residents.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya planned to construct the plant by 2034 and commission a research reactor in the early 2030s.
Mudavadi said the project aimed to increase Kenya’s energy capacity, reduce CO2 emissions and create new job opportunities.
“Kenya is committed to leading in clean energy. Kenya (is) focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of Kenya’s sustainable energy strategy,” he said.
The East African nation currently generates about 90 per cent of its energy from renewable sources, mainly geothermal but hydroelectric, wind, and solar power.
President William Ruto, who has positioned himself at the forefront of African efforts to combat climate change, has said Kenya could increase that figure to 100 per cent by 2030.
Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit next week to address the continent’s readiness for nuclear power.
South Africa is currently the only country in Africa with a civil nuclear programme, and two reactors have been in service for more than 30 years.
Last year, Rwanda signed a deal with a Canadian-German startup to build an “experimental” nuclear reactor, saying it would help reduce its use of fossil fuels.
And earlier this month, it announced an agreement with a US company to construct mini-reactors.
But Kenya’s nuclear project has already run into opposition. “Instead of pursuing a nuclear programme that puts the lives and livelihoods of our people at risk, we urge the government to invest in renewable energy sources that are safer, cleaner, and more sustainable,” the Kenya Anti-Nuclear Alliance said earlier this year.