Kenya has enhanced its commitment to nuclear energy development through significant diplomatic initiatives spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali, Rwanda.
The four-day event, running from May 18-21, assembled African leaders, policymakers, financiers, regulators and global technology companies to explore how the continent can transform nuclear energy aspirations into viable and fundable initiatives.
The summit, titled ‘Powering Africa’s Future: Turning Nuclear Energy Ambition into Investable Reality,’ was inaugurated by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and joined by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo, representing Kenya, played a prominent role at the summit after presiding over the Ministerial Compact roundtable on the significance of African cooperation in nuclear energy development.
Wabuyabo emphasized that cooperation among African nations would be essential in developing technical expertise, standardizing regulations and securing investments necessary to advance nuclear energy programs throughout the continent.
‘Africa must enhance partnerships and collaboration if we are to effectively move from nuclear aspirations to practical implementation,’ Wabuyabo stated.
A significant achievement for Kenya during the summit was advancement in discussions with the United States regarding the proposed ‘123 Agreement,’ a vital legal framework mandated by US law to enable peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Wabuyabo engaged in bilateral discussions with Renee Pan Sonderman, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Bureau of Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, along with Seth J. Maddox, the US Civil Nuclear Cooperation Team Lead.
The conversation centered on advancing the agreement, which would facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology, equipment and expertise between Kenya and the United States.
Participants in the talks indicated that finalizing the agreement would unlock expanded technical cooperation and commercial investment prospects in Kenya’s nuclear industry.
Kenya also obtained additional backing from China following meetings with a delegation headed by Liu Jing, Vice Chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority.
During the dialogue, China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of Kenya’s inaugural nuclear power plant, a proposed 2,000-megawatt facility planned for Siaya County.
The Chinese delegation additionally promised enhanced cooperation in training and capacity development through scholarships and specialized nuclear engineering programs for Kenyan professionals.
Wabuyabo also met with executives from the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) regarding potential regional cooperation in nuclear research, supply chains and regulatory development adapted to African environments.
He highlighted that regional partnerships would enable African nations to share expertise, lower operational costs and expedite readiness for nuclear power generation.
The Kenyan delegation is likewise anticipated to conduct additional engagements with the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board as both nations aim to reinforce collaboration while developing their initial nuclear power programs.
Kenya considers nuclear energy a strategic long-term solution to address increasing electricity demand, support industrialization and diversify the nation’s energy portfolio as part of its comprehensive economic transformation strategy.