This archive report was first published on 7 January 2020.
As Kenya aspires to become a medium-income economy and industrialized nation, energy is a crucial enabler for such economic growth. The country's current energy mix includes hydro energy, geothermal, solar, and fossil fuel plants, but these sources have limitations.
Hydro energy forms 30% of the generation, but it cannot sustain industrialization alone due to unreliable weather conditions. Geothermal energy contributes about half of the energy mix, but Kenya has almost exploited its geothermal sources. Solar energy makes up only 10% of the mix, and fossil fuel thermal plants account for the remaining 10%.
Nuclear power, a clean and low-carbon energy source, is being considered as a viable addition to the country's energy mix. It is reliable, sustainable, and competitively priced, with insignificant emissions. Nuclear power can also be used for various purposes, including radiotherapy, sterilization of medical supplies, desalination of seawater, conservation of food, pest control, and conducting non-destructive tests.
However, Kenya's nuclear journey requires careful planning and execution. The country needs to establish a strong and stable political system, develop legal and regulatory structures, and train human resources to ensure safety culture at all times. Public acceptance is also crucial to avoid fear and ensure the success of the nuclear power plant.
According to Mr. Maklago, a nuclear power plant engineering postgraduate student at KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, South Korea, nuclear energy can create direct jobs, boost the government's financial coffers, and contribute to the country's economic growth. He notes that a single 1,800MW power plant can create about 5,000 direct jobs, and the neighbourhood of the plant may enjoy lower energy tariffs and other financial and infrastructural benefits.
Kenya's real gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing since 2017, and there is a correlation between GDP and per capita consumption of energy. Developed countries have high per capita consumption of energy, and for Kenya to become a middle-income economy, it must produce and consume energy of reasonable proportions. The 'Big Four Agenda' pillars of manufacturing, affordable housing, universal health coverage, and food and nutrition rely directly or indirectly on energy, making nuclear power a crucial component of the country's energy mix.
