Kenya is accelerating plans to introduce nuclear energy into its power mix as electricity demand continues to rise, the PPP Director General, Eng. Kefa Seda, has said.
Speaking on “Financing Nuclear Energy Within Kenya’s Energy Demand Trajectory and PPP Framework” at the ongoing International Conference on Nuclear Energy in Nairobi, Eng. Seda observed that the country already stands out as a global leader in clean energy, with over 80% of electricity generated from renewable sources.
“Geothermal leads at about 45%, followed by hydro at 25%, with wind and solar steadily expanding,” he noted.
He, however, explained that with electricity demand growing at an estimated 5-7% annually – driven by industrial expansion, urbanization, and digital growth, Kenya is seeking additional baseload power that is stable, predictable, and scalable.
Nuclear energy, he said, offers a dependable solution to complement Kenya’s renewable base and ensure long-term energy security.
He observed that while Kenya’s current energy mix is both robust and sustainable, it faces structural challenges. “Hydropower remains vulnerable to climate variability, wind and solar depend on weather conditions, and geothermal expansion is limited by high capital costs and geographical constraints”, he explained.
To address this, he said, the Government is pursuing a phased nuclear power programme aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes reliable and affordable energy as a driver of economic growth and improved livelihoods.
He said nuclear projects require significant capital – typically between USD 5 billion and USD 10 billion per reactor – alongside complex technical and regulatory frameworks, making them viable candidates for PPP financing.
He revealed that Kenya is exploring nuclear energy financing through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) by leveraging blended funding models that combine public resources, private investment, climate finance, and support from Development Finance Institutions and Export Credit Agencies.
However, as the country advances its nuclear ambitions, Eng. Seda emphasized that collaboration between the Government, investors and development partners will be key to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
“The pace of our economic progress will depend on the availability and cost of energy”, Eng. Seda observed. “With nuclear power, we have an opportunity to secure long-term energy stability if we get it right,” he added.
Kenya Eyes Nuclear Energy to Power Future Growth Under the PPP Framework
