Kenya is exploring the potential of nuclear technology in the maritime sector, as emerging small modular reactors (SMRs) open new possibilities for nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear facilities. The technology could provide long-range, low-carbon propulsion for commercial vessels while floating reactors could supply electricity and clean water to remote coastal areas.
The global industry is already moving towards this emerging market. The IAEA has launched ATLAS, an initiative bringing regulators, shipbuilders and maritime authorities together to develop safety and licensing frameworks for nuclear applications at sea. The US is seeking proposals for marine SMRs, while companies in the US, UK and China are developing concepts for floating nuclear plants and nuclear-powered commercial vessels.
Kenya’s Indian Ocean location and role as a regional trade gateway could give it an opportunity to participate early. The country serves landlocked markets including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Kenya Shipyards Limited already has shipbuilding and steel-fabrication capabilities in Mombasa and Kisumu. The article argues that these capabilities could eventually support specialised engineering, maintenance and potentially nuclear-ready maritime infrastructure.
Kenya is not expected to build a nuclear-powered vessel this decade. Instead, the immediate opportunity is to develop regulatory expertise, shipbuilding capabilities and nuclear-ready standards while international rules are being established. Kenya’s nuclear regulatory experience, its ongoing nuclear programme and negotiations with the US on a Section 123 peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement could provide a foundation for participating in this emerging industry.