The construction of Kenya's first-ever power plant is expected to commence in 2027.
Speaking in an interview, the Acting CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) Justus Wabuyabo said that they are looking to construct the plant either in Kilifi or Kwale.
As a matter of fact, Wabuyabo revealed that they have already started floating tenders for the construction of the plant.
“We will do the bidding stage, as any time between 2026 and 2027, and start construction in 2027,” Wabuyabo told the Business Daily.
He went on to state that construction would take approximately six to seven years meaning the plant would be launched between 2034 to 2035.
"We are now focusing on Kilifi and Kwale as our ideal sites," he remarked.
"They have met most of the criteria but before we determine the final site we have to do a detailed scientific study as provided for by IAEA like seismic tests."
Essentially, nuclear plants are constructed near water bodies because water is used as coolant and moderator.
Despite the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) giving approval for the country to start setting up the plant in 2021, plans to construct the power station have been in the works since 2009.
Initially, construction was expected to start in 2024.
The idea was to come up with a plant generating 1000 Mega Watts with the entire project expected to cost Ksh500 billion to Ksh600 billion.
Wabuyabo says the nuclear energy generated is to be used to plug Kenya’s projected energy deficit.
Moreover, the construction of the power station is in line with the country’s plan of embracing cleaner fuels for electricity.
