Kenya has defended its plans for a Sh500 billion nuclear power plant in Siaya County, presenting its nuclear safety and regulatory commitments at the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to nuclear safety, non-proliferation and international safeguards, with groundbreaking targeted for 2027 and grid connection expected by 2034.
The proposed plant is projected to generate between 2,000MW and 5,000MW, making it a potentially significant source of reliable electricity for Kenya’s industrialisation. NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo said Kenya is following the IAEA’s Phase 2 Milestone Approach, while promising greater transparency and evidence-based engagement with communities as the project progresses.
Beyond electricity generation, the government says nuclear technology will support healthcare and agriculture. Kenya is advancing plans for a nuclear research reactor, while two IAEA-donated linear accelerators in Nakuru and Mombasa are treating up to 150 patients daily. Under the IAEA’s Atoms4Food initiative, Kenya also says nuclear science has helped improve crop yields and reduce fertiliser costs by 20%.
The government sees the Siaya project as part of a wider strategy to expand generation capacity, strengthen grid reliability and support industrial growth. Wabuyabo said the plant could create thousands of skilled engineering and construction jobs, while the government continues to address safety, environmental and community concerns before construction begins.