Kenya pursues nuclear power as rest of the world slows down over risks

Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge (centre) is accompanied by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov (right) and Ms Lilian Matu from Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board after officially opening the 3rd Conference on Energy Planning and Nuclear Power in Africa at Leisure Lodge Resort and SPA in Kwale County on Monday 13th April 2015. [Photo/Kelvin Karani/STANDARD]

Kenya is forging ahead with plans to set up its first 1,000 megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant by 2023 as part of an ambitious development agenda.

The plans, spear-headed by the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board, are in top gear with pre-feasibility studies having been concluded, paving the way for detailed studies on where the plants will be established and nuclear waste management.