Nuclear energy to lower electricity costs and boost industrial growth - President Ruto

The President said this will help the country achieve its energy generation expansion plan from the current 3,300 MW to the ambitious 10,000 MW target, noting that 3,000 MW of the 10,000 MW will come from nuclear energy.

Speaking during the International Conference on Nuclear Energy at KICC, Nairobi County, the President assured Kenyans that nuclear power is safe and has been used by advanced economies to power their development.

“There is a perception that nuclear energy poses a significant danger to human well-being. This perception, while understandable, is not supported by evidence,” he stated. 

The President noted that Kenya will enact comprehensive legislation and adhere to the highest global standards of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, as it builds a regulatory framework that inspires both domestic confidence and international partnership.

Nuclear Energy Agency CEO William Magwood, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo were present.

The President explained that energy is the lifeblood of industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation.

He noted that integrating nuclear energy into the national grid will help meet Kenya’s growing electricity demand by providing clean, reliable, and stable power.

He added that it will also lower electricity costs, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and strengthen energy security and national resilience.

“By optimising our energy mix through nuclear power, Kenya will realise a significant reduction in electricity costs of between 4 and $5.5 cents a unit,” he highlighted. 

Additionally, President Ruto said the development of a nuclear power programme brings significant investment in infrastructure, creates jobs from highly skilled engineers and technicians to support services, and facilitates the transfer of advanced technology, stimulating growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

“During the peak construction phase, the nuclear project will generate about 5,000 to 12,000 jobs, ranging from manual labour to highly specialised engineering roles,” he stated. 

He said construction of a 2,000 MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County will begin next year, with commissioning of the project expected in 2034.

The President said Kenya welcomes the COP28 declaration to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.

“Achieving this ambition will require all nations to scale up their efforts and adopt concrete, realistic implementation plans,” he said.

He called on international organisations and other institutions to support the enabling conditions for nuclear energy development, including policy, capacity-building, financing mechanisms, and the establishment of a level playing field for all zero-emission energy sources.

On his part, Governor Orengo observed that for Kenya to achieve its first-world economy status, it must leverage nuclear power to offer an alternative source of energy.

He said Siaya County is ready to host the first nuclear power plant, noting that safety concerns are being adequately addressed to ensure residents are not misled.

CS Wandayi reiterated the President’s sentiments, saying nuclear power will play a key role in achieving the 10,000 MW power generation target.

He said energy will be an enabler of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Magwood added that having a successful nuclear plant requires solid leadership, lauding the President for moving with efficiency to establish the nuclear programme.

“We think Kenya is on the right path and we are here to help,” he stated.