Kenya plans to break ground next year on a nuclear research reactor at Konza City valued at KSh80 billion as part of its peaceful nuclear technology development.
The announcement was made by Science, Research and Innovation Principal Secretary Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak during the International Atomic Energy Agency Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for a New Research Reactor Phase 2, hosted in Nairobi by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA).
Abdulrazak said the facility will strengthen Kenya’s nuclear technology through capacity building and described it as a critical precursor to a future nuclear power programme, quoting the milestone document that places Kenya in phase two of the agency’s three-phase plan.
He added that the reactor will enable research across thematic areas, including the production of molybdenum-99 for medical radioisotopes, and will help train technicians, engineers and experts needed for a national nuclear programme.
Groundbreaking next year will bring Kenya into a group of 55 countries worldwide that operate research reactors, eight of which are in Africa.
The project is expected to be financed through a public-private partnership as a long-term investment.
Kenya also intends to start construction of a Small Modular Reactor in Siaya County next year at a cost of KSh500 billion, which will generate 2,000 megawatts for the grid by 2034.
NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo said the Siaya reactor will serve as a training ground for engineers and scientists, reducing the need to send them abroad.
By producing radioisotopes locally, Kenya aims to cut imports mainly from South Africa and promote medical tourism.
