Kenya plans to build its first nuclear power plant by 2034, as announced by a government minister.
The plant, set to be located on the Indian Ocean coast, will be part of a broader effort to boost energy capacity.
Activists and local residents have raised safety and environmental concerns about the project.
The plan includes constructing a research reactor by the early 2030s, with a projected cost of approximately 500 billion Kenyan shillings ($3.9 billion).
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi highlighted that the nuclear plant aims to increase Kenya’s energy capacity, cut CO2 emissions, and create job opportunities.
The project aligns with Kenya’s commitment to clean energy.
Currently, Kenya generates around 90% of its energy from renewables like geothermal, hydro-electric, wind, and solar power.
President William Ruto aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Kenya will host the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit next week to discuss the continent’s readiness for nuclear power.
South Africa is the only African nation with a civil nuclear program, while Rwanda is pursuing experimental reactors.
