KenGen, NuPEA sign pact to guide Kenya’s first nuclear power programme
Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi (centre, behind), presiding over the signing of an MoU establishing a Joint Engagement Framework for Kenya’s nuclear power readiness, as the CEOs of KenGen (Eng Peter Njenga, right) and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (Justus Wabuyabo, left), flanked by board chairs from both organisations, present the signed agreement. Photo/KenGen
Kenya has taken a significant step toward introducing nuclear power after KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency(NuPEA) signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a Joint Engagement Framework to guide national readiness for the country’s first nuclear plant.
Speaking during the signing, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the partnership supports President William Ruto’s push to add about 10GW of electricity to power economic growth.
He explained that the first nuclear development will generate about 2GW, with plans to expand the programme to 6GW in coming phases.
“This marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era. Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest,” he said.
The CS added that the new framework places public communication, openness and scientific accuracy at the centre of Kenya’s nuclear preparations.
“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 Chairman Alfred Agoi welcomed the partnership, noting that the company’s track record across major power plants makes it ready to lead the next chapter in Kenya’s energy transition.
“KenGen has a long experience and expertise in construction, operation and maintenance of power plants ranging from geothermal, hydro, wind, solar and now ready to lead the next phase to help Kenya develop its first nuclear power plant,” he said.
KenGen Managing Director Eng Peter Njenga said the collaboration aligns with the company’s long-term plan to support a diversified and secure clean-energy system.
“Today’s agreement marks a bold step forward for Kenya’s energy security. Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power,” he said.
He further explained that KenGen’s designation as operator will rely on its national presence and public trust as the foundation for preparing Kenyans for the new technology.
“This is not just a communication effort, it is a national preparation effort. Our mandate is to ensure Kenyans have factual, accessible, and timely information as we evaluate this globally proven and highly regulated technology,” he said.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo said the MoU marks the moment Kenya begins transitioning from planning to implementation readiness for nuclear power.
Under the agreement, the two agencies will form a Joint Working Group to develop a national communication plan, conduct county-level stakeholder mapping, train journalists and community leaders, hold technical forums, launch public-education programmes and create a unified feedback mechanism. The framework will also support early siting work guided by transparent and inclusive public participation.
The nuclear programme is expected to stabilise power supply, support predictable tariffs and strengthen Kenya’s ability to grow advanced manufacturing and digital industries.
