Kenya is set to commence the construction of a nuclear power plant in 2027, according to recent assurances from authorities.

The planned 1,000MW facility, a long-standing project, aligns with Kenya's goals to transition to cleaner energy sources and boost energy production.

Similar announcements regarding the imminent start of this venture have been made in the past.

The acting CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, Justus Wabuyabo, informed Kenya's Business Daily newspaper that the agency is presently engaged in site evaluations and finalizing preparations to initiate the bidding process for the plant's construction.

Mr. Wabuyabo stated that the plant's construction is slated for Kenya's coastal region and is expected to span six to ten years, with the earliest operations of the first plant anticipated by 2034.

However, some Kenyans have expressed concerns, contending that a nuclear plant is unnecessary, citing doubts about the country's capacity to manage nuclear waste.

“We have enough resources for hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind power. Worse, I do not think we have the capacity to ensure the safety of a nuclear power plant or clean-up when a disaster strikes,” one X, formerly Twitter, user said.

Currently, South Africa stands as the sole African nation engaged in commercial nuclear power production. Several other African countries, including Rwanda and Egypt, have initiated plans to embrace nuclear energy, with Egypt currently in the process of constructing a $30 billion (£24 billion) nuclear power plant.