Kenya to build first nuclear power plant by 2034 amid local opposition

South Africa is the only country to have built nuclear plants in Africa, like this Eskom Duvha Power Station, in the coal rich Witbank region. AFP - MARCO LONGARI

Kenya’s first nuclear power plant is set to open in 2034 on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the government announced as it prepares to host a US-Africa summit on nuclear energy next week. The announcement has already raised objections from activists and local residents over safety and environmental concerns.

The construction of the 1,000-megawatt plant will begin in 2027, with the project expected to cost around 500 billion Kenyan shillings (about 3.5 billion euros), according to media reports.