Kenya has announced plans to construct its first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, marking a major shift in the country’s long-term energy strategy aimed at lowering electricity costs and boosting economic growth.
The announcement was made by President William Ruto during the International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2026 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi from 24 March to 26 March 2026. The event brought together global experts, African governments and regulators to explore nuclear energy as a reliable and low-carbon power source.
Kenya plans to begin construction of the 2,000 megawatt nuclear power plant in 2027, with commissioning expected by 2034. The project is part of a broader national plan to scale up electricity generation capacity and enhance energy security.
Kenya energy expansion plan
The proposed plant in Siaya forms part of Kenya’s ambitious goal to increase installed electricity capacity from about 3,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts within the next decade.
Government officials say nuclear energy will play a key role in stabilising the country’s power supply by providing consistent baseload electricity, reducing reliance on hydropower and other variable energy sources.
President Ruto said Kenya intends to install at least 3,000 megawatts of nuclear energy within the next seven years, including the adoption of small modular reactors as an entry point into nuclear power generation.
“Kenya plans to commence construction of a 2,000 megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County next year, with commissioning of the project expected in 2034,” he said.
The project will be implemented by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency alongside Kenya Electricity Generating Company, which is expected to operate the facility once completed.
Push to lower electricity costs
The government says the investment in nuclear energy is expected to significantly reduce electricity tariffs, which currently average about 9 US cents per unit.
According to President Ruto, nuclear power could lower costs to between 4 and 5.5 US cents per unit, making Kenya more competitive compared to regional economies.
“With an operational lifespan of between 60 and 80 years and a capital recovery period of less than 20 years, nuclear power stands as a cornerstone of intergenerational sustainable development,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said stable and affordable power is critical to Kenya’s economic transformation.
“Nuclear energy has been proven to provide a very stable baseload. We need that stability to build a resilient grid that can power our transformation and support industrial growth,” he said.
The nuclear project is also expected to create employment opportunities, with between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs projected during the peak construction phase. These will range from manual labour roles to highly specialised technical and engineering positions.
Siaya residents urged to support project
President Ruto called on residents of Siaya County to support the project, saying it would bring long-term economic benefits, including industrial development and job creation.
“To the people of Siaya, I invite you to be partners in this journey,” he said.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo expressed support for the initiative but urged authorities to address safety and health concerns raised by residents before construction begins.
“I want to tell our people this is a must, but all countries that have succeeded in energy security have addressed public concerns and built trust,” Orengo said.
Concerns around nuclear safety, environmental protection and public awareness were key topics during discussions at the conference, with experts emphasising the importance of strict regulatory frameworks and transparent communication.
Kenya is also reviewing its regulatory framework to support the development of nuclear energy. The government is considering transferring nuclear regulatory functions from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Energy to streamline oversight and improve coordination.
Officials say aligning regulatory structures with international standards will be critical to ensuring safety and attracting investment into the sector.
The 500 billion shilling project will be financed through public-private partnerships, with global partners expected to play a role in technology transfer, funding and expertise.
Africa nuclear energy landscape
Kenya’s move places it among a growing number of African countries exploring nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand and climate goals.
Currently, South Africa is the only country on the continent generating nuclear power, with an installed capacity of about 2 gigawatts. Egypt is also developing a nuclear power plant with a projected capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Experts at the Nairobi conference said nuclear energy offers a reliable and clean alternative that can complement renewable sources such as wind and solar.
They noted that while nuclear projects require significant upfront investment, their long-term benefits include stable power supply, lower costs and reduced carbon emissions.
Kenya’s planned nuclear plant in Siaya is expected to position the country as a regional leader in advanced energy infrastructure and support its ambition to become a newly industrialised economy.
