US-Kenya Nuclear Energy Agreement Boosts Kenya's Energy Infrastructure Plans

Posted on : Monday, 9th September 2024

Kenya and the United States have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear energy cooperation during a recent conference in Vienna in September this year, as Kenya plans to construct its first nuclear power plant. The MoU intends to strengthen collaboration in nuclear policy, research and regulation in energy, health and agriculture, as shown by a meeting of both countries nuclear regulators in Nairobi.

Kenya plans to construct its first nuclear power station in 2027, with a capacity of 1000MW. After conducting a series of pre-feasibility studies in previous years, last year located two suitable locations for establishing an NPP, which would assist to fulfill the country's growing demand for power.

Kenya and the United States have been working more closely together to obtain nuclear energy, as seen by President William Ruto's recent State visit. During the visit, he and US President Joe Biden discussed power relations centered on clean energy and resilience, as well as goals for improving US-Africa nuclear energy cooperation.

Mr Omondi Anyanga, chairman of KNRA, focused on the advantages of having the MoU signed and executed. I feel that this deal will be lucrative in the long term, he said. We have gone a long way and are eager to strengthen our collaboration with the United States. South Korea, China, Slovakia and Russia, have all signed deals with Kenya to help the country construct its first nuclear power plant.