NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will begin construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2027, marking a major shift in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Speaking at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2026 in Nairobi, President Ruto said the planned facility, to be located in Siaya County, will have a capacity of 2,000 megawatts (MW) and is expected to be commissioned by 2034.
The project forms part of a broader government plan to scale up national electricity generation from the current 3,300MW to at least 10,000MW within five to seven years, with 3,000MW projected to come from nuclear energy.
“Energy is the lifeblood of industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation,” Ruto said, underscoring the central role of reliable power in driving economic growth and achieving development goals.
The President sought to allay public concerns over nuclear energy, noting that while the technology often raises safety fears, global experience demonstrates its reliability.
He cited countries such as France and the United States, where nuclear power has been safely used for decades, as well as South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which has supplied stable electricity since the 1980s.
Ruto said nuclear energy offers Kenya multiple advantages, including clean power generation with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, round-the-clock reliability, and reduced dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.
He added that integrating nuclear power into the national grid would enhance energy security while lowering electricity costs by between 4 and 5.5 US cents per unit.
Beyond energy supply, the President highlighted the project’s economic impact, saying it will create between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs during the construction phase and hundreds of permanent technical positions once operational.
He added that the project would spur infrastructure development in Siaya County, including roads, water systems, healthcare facilities, schools, and telecommunications.
“Development is for the people, and it must be done with the people,” Ruto said, urging local communities and county governments to actively engage in the project. He encouraged residents of Siaya to embrace the initiative, citing opportunities for employment, skills development, and local business growth.
The President also emphasized Kenya’s commitment to transparency and adherence to international nuclear safety standards. He said the government will establish a robust regulatory framework aligned with global best practices to ensure safety, security, and public confidence in the nuclear programme.
On the international front, President Ruto noted that Kenya is working closely with partners, including the United States, and is on track to conclude a “123 Agreement” on civil nuclear cooperation within the next three months.
He also called on multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to support financing for nuclear energy projects, noting that access to affordable funding remains a key challenge.
