Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Nuclear Engineering and Construction Corporation (CNECC) International Engineering Co to advance its nuclear energy programme, The Standard reported on March 20.

The agreement focuses on technical collaboration, research, and technology transfer as the country moves towards building its first nuclear power plant.

The deal aligns with Kenya’s strategy to diversify its energy mix beyond renewables such as geothermal and hydropower. With electricity demand rising, the government views nuclear power as a stable long-term solution for industrial growth. The agreement also includes cooperation in developing 19 nuclear infrastructure elements, The Star reported on March 19.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nuclear energy.

“As a government, we are committed to harnessing the full potential of nuclear energy in Kenya. It is not lost on us that the country’s energy needs still require some additional injection to meet the demand. To bridge this gap, we have to be innovative,” Wandayi said, as quoted by The Standard.

The MoU was signed in Nairobi by NuPEA Chief Executive Justus Wabuyabo and CNECC International Engineering Co President Li Xiaohong. CNECC, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), specialises in nuclear power plant construction and engineering.

Separately, Wandayi assured Rift Valley MPs that stalled energy projects would be completed.

“Whereas we have had a little challenge in the past in budgetary constraints, in consultation with the National Treasury, we have been assured that enough resources will be allocated and that no government project will be a white elephant,” he said, as quoted by The Standard.

Kenya has been pursuing nuclear energy for over a decade and aims to commission its first plant by 2034.

As bne IntelliNews reported, Kenya also planned to increase collaboration with Russia to develop its nuclear and renewable energy industries, Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia stated at a forum in Stavropol on October 4-5, 2024. The country aims to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2027, with an expected capacity of 1,000 MW. Following pre-feasibility studies, Nairobi has narrowed the location to two sites.

In September last year, Kenya signed an MoU with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) during the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna to benefit from US expertise in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.