Kenya’s first nuclear power plant is set to open on the Indian Ocean coast in 2034, the government announced as it prepares for the US-Africa summit on nuclear energy next week. The announcement has already drawn objections from activists and local residents over safety and environmental concerns.
Construction of the 1,000-megawatt plant is scheduled to begin in 2027, and media reports say the project will cost around 500 billion Kenyan shillings (about 3.5 billion euros).
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said a research reactor would be operational in the early 2030s.
“Kenya is committed to being a leader in clean energy. Kenya is focused on advancing nuclear technology as part of its sustainable energy strategy,” Mudavadi said in a statement.
The aim of the project is to increase Kenya’s energy capacity, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create new jobs.
Kenya currently generates about 90 percent of its energy from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar energy.
President William Ruto, who has spearheaded Africa’s efforts to combat climate change, said the country could increase that figure to 100 percent by 2030.
Concerned locals
However, the prospect of a nuclear power plant on the Indian Ocean coast raises considerable concerns, especially among activists and local residents.
The Kenya Anti-Nuclear Alliance called on the government to focus on renewable energy sources instead.
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