Kenya to establish Ksh 80B nuclear research reactor at Konza City

Kenya plans to construct an $80 billion nuclear research facility in Konza City, as part of its development of peaceful nuclear technology. During an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission, Science, Research and Innovation Principal Secretary Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak announced that the research reactor will be crucial in strengthening Kenya's nuclear technology through capacity building.

The research reactor is one of 55 globally, with 8 located in Africa, and will enable Kenya to train technicians, engineers, and experts needed for a nuclear program. The facility will also produce molybdenum-99, used in medical diagnosis, and reduce imports of radioisotopes from South Africa, potentially boosting medical tourism.

Kenya intends to finance the project through a Public Private Partnership, seeing it as a long-term investment. The country plans to ground break a 2,000 megawatt Small Modular Reactor in Siaya County next year, with power going to the grid in 2034. This reactor will also serve as a training ground for nuclear power plant workers, reducing the need for engineers and scientists to study abroad.