KENGEN TO RUN KENYA’S FIRST NUCLEAR PLANT AS COUNTRY EXPANDS ENERGY CAPACITY

KenGen and NuPEA chiefs formalize an MoU in the presence of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi (center), marking a key step toward Kenya’s first nuclear plant.

By: Gladys K 

Kenya has taken a major step toward introducing nuclear energy after announcing that Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) will run the country’s first nuclear power plant. The announcement was made on Monday by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who said the move supports President William Ruto’s plan for Kenya to add about 10 gigawatts of new power to drive economic growth.

The first nuclear plant is expected to produce about 2,000 megawatts (2GW), with plans to grow this to 6GW. CS Wandayi said the decision to choose KenGen will help ensure the project is managed by an experienced and trusted company.

“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 announcement came as KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU establishes a Joint Engagement Framework that will guide Kenya’s preparation for nuclear power, focusing on clear communication, scientific accuracy, and open public engagement.

KenGen Board Chairman Alfred Agoi welcomed the decision, saying the company is ready for this next chapter.
“KenGen has a long experience in running geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar plants,” Agoi said. “We are now ready to lead the next phase and help Kenya develop its first nuclear power plant.”

KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga said the partnership is a big step for Kenya’s energy future.
“Today’s agreement marks a bold step forward for Kenya’s energy security,” Njenga said. “Nuclear energy is the next frontier for countries seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power.”

He added that KenGen’s new role strengthens the company’s responsibility to keep Kenyans informed.
“This is not just a communication effort; it is a national preparation effort,” Njenga said. “Our mandate is to ensure Kenyans have factual, accessible, and timely information as we evaluate this highly regulated technology.”

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo said the partnership signals Kenya’s move from planning to real readiness.
“This collaboration marks a turning point as Kenya prepares for the implementation phase of nuclear power,” Wabuyabo said.

Under the MoU, KenGen and NuPEA will form a Joint Working Group that will develop a national communication plan, identify key stakeholders in all counties, carry out public education campaigns, train journalists and county leaders, and host expert forums. They will also create a system for receiving and responding to public concerns.

The Framework will support early work on identifying possible sites for the nuclear plant. Both institutions said any site selection will follow strict public-participation rules, transparency, and inclusive decision-making.

For Kenyans, the introduction of nuclear energy is expected to help stabilise electricity prices, reduce power outages, and support industries that need reliable power. The move places Kenya among countries looking to nuclear technology as a long-term, climate-friendly energy solution.