Kenya has officially advanced its nuclear ambitions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC) during the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna that concludes on Friday (September 20).

The MoU aims to enhance bilateral collaboration in nuclear energy deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, and is seen as a pivotal move in addressing Kenya's growing demand for electricity and meeting its industrialisation goals, the Star newspaper reports.

The agreement, signed by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) and the US NRC, will leverage US expertise in nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, crucial for developing a robust regulatory framework.

This initiative is particularly significant as Kenya has targeted launching construction on its first nuclear power plant (NPP) in 2027, which would have the capacity to generate 1,000 MW. Following years of pre-feasibility studies, last year authorities identified two prospective sites for an NPP, which Kenya hopes will help meet rising demand for electricity as the country angles to be a middle-income economy by 2030.

Kenya's installed energy capacity stands at 3,321 MW, with sources including geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. However, despite this diversified energy mix, the country faces ongoing electricity supply challenges. KNRA Director General James Keter emphasised the need for adding nuclear energy to the mix.

"We have a lot in our hands. This MoU would not have come at a better time. We will work with industry leaders and every stakeholder to fortify our regulatory framework to ensure the responsible and effective development of our nuclear programme," he stated.

China, Russia, Slovakia and South Korea have all forged agreements with Kenya to help Nairobi develop its first NPP, at a projected cost of KES 500bn ($3.86bn). Russia’s state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom, along with various Chinese companies, has been actively courting Nairobi to provide the necessary nuclear technology for the project.