Kenya is actively moving forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, a project estimated to cost around KSh 500 billion. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) identified multiple candidate sites in the area, aiming to eventually generate up to 6,000 megawatts of electricity to support national industrial growth and grid reliability. Government officials have held public consultations and community sensitization sessions across Siaya to gather feedback and address public concerns.
Local residents and leaders have expressed interest in the direct economic benefits, requesting infrastructure upgrades like paved roads, job priority for local youth, and educational trips to understand nuclear facilities. At the same time, lawmakers and community representatives continue to push for clear safeguards regarding environmental protection around Lake Victoria and strict safety protocols. If technical evaluations, financing, and regulatory approvals proceed as planned, construction is slated to start around 2027, with targeted operations beginning by 2034.
Related Project
The Siaya power plant project works together with Kenya’s planned Ksh 80 billion nuclear research reactor at Konza Technopolis. While the Siaya facility focuses on supplying large-scale electricity to the national grid, the Konza site serves as a foundation for scientific technical training and local drug production. Officials at NuPEA highlight that the Konza research reactor will directly train engineers, operators, and scientists who can later run the full-scale power plant in Siaya. In addition to training personnel, the Konza reactor will produce radioisotopes needed for local cancer diagnosis and treatment, reducing Kenya’s reliance on expensive medical imports. Together, both developments form a core part of Kenya’s long-term plan to build nuclear expertise and create a modern energy and scientific infrastructure.
March 26, 2026
Kenya’s President William Ruto made an announcement that Kenya will commence constructing a 2,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant in Siaya County in 2027. The Siaya Nuclear Power Plant will be commissioned by 2034. This project highlights Kenya as a pacesetter in nuclear power development in East Africa, with other countries in the region such as Uganda also moving ahead with plans to deploy nuclear power.
Additionally, Ruto stated that Kenya is committed to increasing its installed electricity capacity from the current 3,300MW to at least 10,000MW over the next five to seven years. Additionally, he revealed that 3,000MW of this capacity to come from nuclear energy.
Economic Benefits
Furthermore, speaking on Wednesday during the International Conference on Nuclear Energy in Nairobi, President Ruto noted that the project would generate significant economic opportunities for locals.
“We have made a deliberate and strategic decision to significantly expand our energy capacity. Moreover, from our current installed capacity of 3,300 megawatts, we are committed to scaling up to at least 10,000MW in the next five to seven years, 3,000MW of which will be generated from nuclear energy,” the President said.
“Consequently, Kenya plans to commence construction of a 2,000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County next year (2027), with commissioning of the project expected in 2034.”
Significance of the Project
Also, the President highlighted the key benefits of nuclear energy. He emphasized its role in providing clean and reliable power.
“The word ‘nuclear’ often evokes fear and uncertainty, and I understand why. However, this perception is not supported by evidence. Nuclear energy has been safely and reliably used for decades by the world’s most advanced economies to power development.”
“Nuclear energy produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, making it a powerful ally in our fight against climate change.”
“During peak construction, the nuclear plant will create between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs, ranging from manual labour to highly specialised engineering roles,” he said.
“Also, once operational, it will provide hundreds of permanent, well-paying technical positions.”
The government has set up plans to invest in local technical and vocational education to equip residents with the skills needed for these opportunities.
Additionally, President Ruto assured that infrastructure development in Siaya County would accompany the project.
“We will expand all-weather roads, improve water supply systems, build modern healthcare facilities and schools, and enhance telecommunications,” he said.
“Also, the project will also stimulate the local economy by increasing demand for housing, hospitality, retail, and agricultural produce.”
Operational Lifespan
Additionally, Ruto added that it will have an operational lifespan of 60 to 80 years and a capital recovery period of less than 20 years.
He said nuclear power will significantly reduce electricity costs by 4 to 5.5 US cents per unit, strengthening Kenya’s energy security and supporting sustainable development for generations to come.
Project Factsheet
Location: Bondo, Siaya County (on the shores of Lake Victoria)
Initial Capacity: 1,000 MW to 2,000 MW
Long-term Target: Scalable to 20,000 MW by 2040
Estimated Cost: KSh 500 Billion (Approx. $3.8 Billion)
Groundbreaking: Scheduled for March 1, 2027
Commissioning: Expected by 2034
Lifespan: 60 to 80 years
Project Team
Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen): Formally designated in December 2025 as the Owner-Operator. KenGen is responsible for construction, technical operations, maintenance, and selecting the specific reactor technology.
Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA): The primary implementing organization. NuPEA manages the national nuclear roadmap, coordinates with international regulators, and oversees site characterization and public engagement.
National Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA): The independent body tasked with ensuring all safety, security, and safeguard protocols meet both Kenyan law and international standards.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP): A major strategic partner involved in the ICoNE 2026 conference in Nairobi. KHNP is sharing its experience in large-scale nuclear deployment and is a top contender for providing reactor technology.
China Nuclear Engineering and Construction Corporation (CNECC): Signed an MoU with NuPEA for technical transfer and capacity building, specifically focusing on the 19 infrastructure elements required by the IAEA for a successful nuclear program.
U.S. Department of State (FIRST Program): Providing technical assistance through the Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) to help Kenya evaluate SMR options.
OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA): Acts as a high-level advisory partner, co-hosting regional forums to align Kenya’s program with global best practices.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Provides the overarching “Milestones Approach” framework and conducts Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Reviews (INIR) to audit Kenya’s readiness.
Siaya County Government: lastly, following a high-level consultative meeting in March 2026, the county has committed to providing land for project offices and coordinating local stakeholder participation.
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