Kenya and China Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Energy Development

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th March 2025

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between China and Kenya for the project's first nuclear power facility. Signed by the China Nuclear Engineering and Construction Corporation (CNECC) and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the agreement aims to advance nuclear energy research, innovation, and technology transfer.

Kenya's technical ability to carry out nuclear power projects will be strengthened by this partnership, which would also hasten the nation's efforts to diversify its energy sources. 

Opiyo Wandayi, the cabinet secretary for energy, observed the Memorandum of Understanding, which is a significant step in Kenya's long-term energy plan.

A joint coordinating committee will be established to ensure that the collaboration conforms to the regulatory frameworks of China and Kenya. The agreement follows the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Milestones Approach and identifies 19 essential components of nuclear infrastructure development. Public education, technological evaluation, site selection, regulatory frameworks, and human resource development are some of these components. By concentrating on these crucial sectors, Kenya hopes to establish a long-term basis for nuclear powers.

By 2027, Kenya wants to start building a 1,000 MW nuclear power facility. It is anticipated that this project will lower expenses, improve energy dependability, and offer a clean energy source with little carbon emissions. As evidence of the strategic significance of nuclear energy in accomplishing the nation's Vision 2030 and economic transformation objectives, the government has already obtained permissions from the Attorney General and the Treasury for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding. Kenya is creating the required legal and regulatory frameworks and funding nuclear specialist training programs to aid in this transition.

Kenya is in a position to become one of the African nations with nuclear energy capabilities through the relationship with CNECC. The only country in Africa has a commercial nuclear power plant at the moment is South Africa. Kenya hopes to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and build a more resilient energy sector by adopting nuclear power. Additionally, the project is anticipated to boost employment, improve technology, and bolster Kenya's position in the global clean energy movement.