• Speaking on March 25, 2026 at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy, KICC, Nairobi County, Ruto said integrating nuclear energy into the national grid will help meet Kenya’s growing electricity demand, providing clean, reliable and stable power.

Siaya County is set to host and partner in Kenya’s first nuclear plant, set to begin construction in 2027 with a target completion date of 2034. According to President William Ruto, this will safely and sustainably power Kenya’s industries, accelerate development, and place Kenya firmly on the path to a first-world economy.

Speaking on March 25, 2026 at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy, KICC, Nairobi County, Ruto said integrating nuclear energy into the national grid will help meet Kenya’s growing electricity demand, providing clean, reliable and stable power.

It will also lower electricity costs, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and strengthen energy security.

“We are diversifying our energy sources to include nuclear power to achieve our 10,000MW generation target, with 3,000MW coming from nuclear energy. The construction of a 2,000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County will begin next year,” he noted.

Siaya Governor James Orengo says Siaya County is ready to play a pivotal role offering not just land, but a stable, supportive, and forward-looking environment for this historic venture.

Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira notes that nuclear energy stands as a promising pathway to strengthening our energy sector, sustaining rapid economic growth, enhancing energy security, and advancing our ambition to achieve first-world status.

“Beyond meeting our energy needs, the nuclear power program holds immense potential to drive socio-economic transformation by creating jobs, stimulating industrial development, and fostering technological advancement,” he noted.

As of March 2026, South Africa remains the only country in Africa with an operational commercial nuclear power plant. However, Egypt is currently constructing a large-scale facility, and several other nations have formal programs or agreements in place to join them.

Countries use nuclear energy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

It provides a stable, reliable source of power that isn’t affected by weather like solar or wind. Nuclear power supports heavy industries that need constant electricity (steel, cement, manufacturing). South Africa uses nuclear energy primarily for baseload electricity generation and medical research.

Stay connected with us on WhatsApp and Facebook for instant updates and breaking news as it happens.