Kenya plans to begin construction of a nuclear research facility at Konza City next year as part of its efforts to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The project is expected to strengthen the country’s research capabilities and prepare specialists for future nuclear programmes, reports Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Speaking at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for a New Research Reactor (INIR-RR) Phase 2, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Shaukat Abdulrazak highlighted the facility’s role in developing national expertise. The review mission marks progress in Kenya’s preparations for a research reactor programme.
The facility will provide opportunities to train technicians, engineers and scientists in various nuclear disciplines. It is also expected to support the production of molybdenum-99, which is used to manufacture radioisotopes for medical diagnostics. Kenya aims to expand its domestic expertise and strengthen the use of nuclear technology in healthcare.
The project is expected to place Kenya among 55 countries worldwide with research reactors, including eight in Africa. The country’s 89 universities could also contribute to developing the skilled workforce needed for research and future nuclear energy projects.
Kenya is also preparing to develop a nuclear power plant in Siaya County, with construction scheduled to begin next year. According to the source, the planned 2,000-megawatt facility is expected to supply electricity to the national grid by 2034.