Kenya, US sign historic pact on nuclear plans

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority Chairman Omondi Anyanga and Christopher Hanson of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Vienna on Tuesday. [Courtesy]

Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US as it seeks safe and secure deployment of nuclear technology.

The agreement was sealed on the sidelines of the 2024 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday.

The historic pact came a day after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed the general session of the conference.

Mudavadi had outlined Kenya's ambitious plans to integrate nuclear power into the country's energy mix by 2035, as part of a broader strategy to meet its growing energy demand.

Kenya's current installed energy capacity, as of 2023, totals 3,321 MW, with significant contributions from geothermal (863 MW), hydroelectric power (838 MW), wind (436 MW), solar (173 MW), biomass (2 MW), and thermal energy (678 MW).

However, despite these sources, the country still faces a shortfall in its energy supply. Experts say nuclear energy will be crucial in addressing this deficit and supporting Kenya's long-term industrialisation goals.

The MoU was signed by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC), with both parties expressing optimism about the future of nuclear cooperation between the two nations.

The US team was led by chairman Christopher Hanson. KNRA Director General James Keter emphasized the importance of the MoU, noting that it comes at a critical juncture for Kenya "and we must get it right."

"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," Keter said.

Mr Keter clarified that while KNRA is not necessarily a promoter, it exists to ensure Kenya's nuclear programme is developed within the highest levels of safety and security to lives, property and the environment.

KNRA board chairman Omondi Anyanga also expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating: "We believe the MoU will bring substantial benefits to the Kenyan economy. We have made considerable progress and look forward to continued support."

Areas of cooperation will include sharing of operating experience and regulatory experience, cooperation in joint programmes of nuclear safety research and trainings.

Kenya, along with several other developing nations, is exploring the potential use of nuclear energy beyond electricity generation, including its applications in health and agriculture.

As the country moves forward with its nuclear aspirations, experts highlight the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to ensure the safe and effective deployment.

Kenya's delegation to the talks included Mudavadi, Anyanga, Keter, ambassador Maurice Markoloo, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo, NuPEA board member Henry Rono and KNRA Corporation Secretary Beth Mushi. The conference ends on September 20, 2024.