KenGen Appointed Operator of Kenya’s First 2GW Nuclear Plant
The Kenyan government has officially designated the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) as the owner and operator of the country’s first nuclear power plant, marking a historic shift in the nation’s energy strategy.
The announcement was made earlier this week by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi during the signing of a Joint Engagement Framework between KenGen and the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
This mandate positions KenGen to lead the development of an initial 2,000 MW (2GW) facility, with long-term plans to scale capacity up to 6,000 MW.
“Assigning KenGen the owner-operator role ensures the programme is anchored in strong technical capability, public trust, and long-term national interest.” the CS said.
While Kenya is already a global leader in renewable energy with over 80% of its grid powered by geothermal, hydro, and wind, the move to nuclear is driven by the need for reliable baseload power. Unlike hydro, which is vulnerable to drought, or wind, which can be intermittent, nuclear energy provides constant power output essential for heavy industrialization. Cabinet Secretary Wandayi noted that this move marks the beginning of Kenya’s nuclear-power era, stating that assigning KenGen the owner-operator role anchors the program in technical capability and public trust.
The project is part of a broader Vision 2030 goal to add 10 GW of new capacity to the national grid to support manufacturing, digital industries, and electric mobility. With peak national demand recently surpassing 2,400 MW and reserve margins tightening, the government views nuclear as the solution to ending load-shedding and ensuring long-term energy security. The timeline for the project remains ambitious, with construction projected to begin around 2029 and the first plant expected to be commissioned by 2035.
Under the new framework, NuPEA will handle regulatory oversight and research, while KenGen will leverage its engineering experience to build and run the plant. While initial plans considered the Kilifi and Kwale coastlines, recent technical reviews have also explored sites along Lake Victoria, specifically in Siaya County.
The final site selection will be subject to rigorous environmental assessments and public participation. Acknowledging safety concerns, the newly signed MOU establishes a Joint Working Group tasked with nationwide public education campaigns to build transparency and stakeholder buy-in.
KenGen Managing Director and CEO Peter Njenga welcomed the appointment, citing the company’s strong financial health and technical track record. He emphasized that nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power and that the partnership with NuPEA signals their readiness to play a central role in shaping Kenya’s energy future.
“KenGen has led Kenya’s clean-energy evolution—from hydropower to geothermal and wind. Nuclear energy is the next frontier for nations seeking stable, affordable, low-carbon baseload power. Our partnership with NuPEA signals our readiness to play a central role in shaping Kenya’s energy future, anchored in industrial growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.”
The announcement coincides with KenGen’s robust financial performance for the year ending June 2025, where the company reported a 54% jump in profit after tax to Ksh 10.48 billion, driven by operational efficiency and increased geothermal sales.
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