US promises to back Africa clean energy initiative

Kenya will benefit from a raft of plans by the US to promote clean energy initiatives in Africa.

Part of the plan is to have Kenya host the inaugural Africa-America nuclear industry exhibition, with support from the US Department of Commerce.

Officials say the May 2024 event will offer a chance to American firms to explore possibilities of investing in local nuclear-related manufacturing in East Africa. The US is also considering establishing a clean energy centre in Kenya for research and training to serve Africa.

These emerged during talks between Kenyan and US officials in Washington DC, where calls were made to ensure adequate regulatory oversight in nuclear energy development.

At the talks, it was agreed that the US would support Kenya in the development of a nuclear power plant, building the nuclear regulatory framework, training and research.

The Kenyan team visited two of the 17 US national laboratories in Idaho and New Mexico. They also visited the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station in Virginia.

Energy PS Alex Wachira, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) Chairman Omondi Anyanga and acting Director General James Keter led the team.

"We had fruitful deliberations. Our team came back with valuable lessons. We are determined to explore further collaborations with various partners to ensure we walk the nuclear journey productively and as per the highest standards of safety and efficiency," Mr Anyanga said.

Mr Keter said: "Properly done, everyone wins. We are engaging with the best in the industry and regulatory stakeholders to assure the public of the highest safety possible."

Besides the establishment of an Energy Training Center, US officials also pledged support in the development of nuclear-related curricula for Kenyan universities.

Last year, US and Kenya signed an MoU under the framework of the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST Project) under President Joe Biden's 2021 Leaders' Summit on Climate.

Kenya has been implementing the national nuclear power initiative since 2010.