Kenya Taps KenGen to Lead First Nuclear Power Plant as Nation Enters New Clean-Energy Era.

Kenya Taps KenGen to Lead First Nuclear Power Plant as Nation Enters New Clean-Energy Era.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi (centre) oversees the signing of a landmark MoU that sets up a Joint Engagement Framework for Kenya’s first nuclear power programme, as KenGen CEO Eng. Peter Njenga (right) and NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo (left) joined by board chairs from both institutions unveil the newly signed agreement.

By Jeff Oyugi.

Nairobi - December 1, 2025.

Kenya has taken a decisive leap toward its next frontier in clean energy after Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC will serve as the owner-operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant. The project will be developed in collaboration with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, marking the most significant milestone yet in Kenya’s pursuit of long-term energy security.

Speaking during the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between KenGen and NuPEA, CS Wandayi said the move reflects President William Ruto’s call for Kenya to add 10GW of new electricity generation as the country accelerates toward first-world economic status. The first nuclear plant is expected to have a capacity of about 2GW, with a long-term plan to scale up to 6GW.

“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 MoU establishes a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for nuclear energy, launching what officials describe as one of Kenya’s most comprehensive public-engagement initiatives in the energy sector. The programme will focus on building public understanding, boosting confidence, and ensuring national preparedness as Kenya evaluates nuclear technology as part of its future energy mix.

Wandayi emphasized that transparency and scientific accuracy will be the bedrock of the partnership. “This MoU will deepen public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance institutional capabilities, and prepare the ground for a reliable, low-carbon baseload option,” he said.

KenGen Board Chair Alfred Agoi welcome the decision, noting that the company has decades of experience across multiple renewable technologies including hydro, geothermal, wind and solar that position it to lead the nuclear transition.

“KenGen has a proven record in constructing, operating and maintaining power plants,” Agoi said. “We are ready to take on this next phase and help Kenya develop its first nuclear power plant.”

KenGen Managing Director and CEO Eng. Peter Njenga said nuclear power represents the next logical step in Kenya’s clean-energy journey.

“KenGen has led Kenya’s clean-energy evolution from hydropower to geothermal and wind. Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power,” he said. “Our partnership with NuPEA signals our readiness to shape Kenya’s energy future, anchored in industrial growth, job creation and global competitiveness.”

Eng. Njenga added that KenGen’s designation as owner-operator will leverage its public trust, nationwide footprint, and operational depth. “This is not just a communication effort, it is a national preparation effort. Our mandate is to ensure Kenyans receive factual, accessible, and timely information as we evaluate this globally proven, highly regulated technology.”

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo termed the partnership a turning point as Kenya transitions from long-term planning to implementation readiness.

Under the MoU, KenGen and NuPEA will form a Joint Working Group tasked with developing a national communication and public-engagement strategy, mapping stakeholder groups across all counties, and rolling out public education and media campaigns. The partnership will also convene technical forums, train journalists and county officials on nuclear fundamentals, and establish a joint feedback and grievance-resolution mechanism aligned with global best practice.

The Framework will further support early-stage siting and land-related processes, drawing on KenGen’s expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Both agencies emphasized that all siting activities will strictly follow rigorous public-participation standards, continuous information disclosure, and inclusive decision-making.

Officials said nuclear power would ultimately translate into more predictable electricity tariffs, fewer power interruptions, and an energy system capable of supporting advanced manufacturing and digital industries.

Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC is the leading electricity producer in Eastern Africa, with an installed generation capacity accounting for more than 60% of Kenya’s total. Its primary mandate is to generate safe, reliable, and competitively priced electricity in an environmentally sustainable manner while delivering value to its stakeholders.

KenGen currently has an installed capacity of 1,786 MW, over 90% of which comes from renewable sources, Hydro being at 826 MW, Geothermal at 754 MW, and Wind at 25.5 MW with the remainder supplied by thermal generation.