Kenya has taken a historic step toward entering the nuclear-energy era after the government named the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) as the owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant.
The announcement was made by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
According to CS Wandayi, the decision supports President William Ruto’s ambition for Kenya to add at least 10 gigawatts of new power generation to accelerate the nation’s transition into a modern, first-world economy.
The first phase of the nuclear programme will produce approximately 2 gigawatts (GW), with plans to scale up to 6GW over time.
“This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era,” Wandayi said. “Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest.”
The MoU, described as one of the most comprehensive public-engagement efforts in Kenya’s energy sector, establishes a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for nuclear power.
It aims to enhance public understanding, build confidence, and strengthen institutional capacity as the country evaluates nuclear energy as a future low-carbon baseload option.
CS Wandayi underscored the importance of transparency and scientific rigour in the programme. “This MoU will deepen public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance institutional capabilities, and prepare the ground for a reliable low-carbon baseload option.”
KenGen Welcomes Expanded Mandate
KenGen Board Chairman Hon. Alfred Agoi hailed the move, saying the company’s experience managing geothermal, hydro, wind and solar projects positions it well to lead Kenya into the nuclear-energy frontier.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga said the partnership aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to support Kenya’s shift to a diversified, secure, clean-energy system.
“Today’s agreement marks a bold step forward for Kenya’s energy security,” Eng. 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 shape Kenya’s energy future, anchored in industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
He added that KenGen’s designation as the future operator of nuclear facilities leverages the company’s public trust and national footprint. “This is not just a communication effort; it is a national preparation effort. Our mandate is to ensure Kenyans have factual, accessible, and timely information as we evaluate this globally proven and highly regulated technology.”
NuPEA: Kenya Now Implementation-Ready
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo termed the partnership a defining moment in the country’s transition from planning to implementation readiness.
Under the MoU, KenGen and NuPEA will form a Joint Working Group to:
Develop a national communication and public-engagement strategy
Map stakeholder groups across all 47 counties
Roll out nationwide public education and media campaigns
Convene technical and expert forums
Train journalists, county officials, educators, and community leaders
Establish a joint feedback and grievance-handling mechanism
The Framework will also guide early-stage site identification and land-related processes, with KenGen contributing its experience in managing major infrastructure projects. Both agencies emphasized that any siting activities will follow strict public participation, transparency, and inclusive decision-making protocols.
Economic Boost Expected
For consumers and investors, the programme promises long-term benefits, predictable electricity tariffs, reduced power outages, and a strong energy foundation to support advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and sustained economic growth.
Kenya’s move positions it among African nations preparing to adopt nuclear technology as a reliable and low-carbon contributor to future energy needs.