Mwaura: Kenya targets 10,000MW power capacity as jobs, economy improve

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura speaking in Nairobi on April 13, 2026 / HANDOUT

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has said Kenya is targeting an increase in installed electricity capacity to 10,000 megawatts over the next five years.

He said this is part of a broader strategy to support economic growth and job creation in the country.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Mwaura said the plan includes investments in diversified energy sources such as nuclear power, with flagship projects proposed in Siaya and Kilifi counties.

He said the Siaya project is expected to begin in March 2027 and could create between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs during construction, alongside long-term technical employment once operational.

On March 25, William Ruto announced that Kenya will begin constructing a 2,000-megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant in Siaya County in 2027, with the facility expected to be commissioned by 2034.

“We have made a deliberate and strategic decision to significantly expand our energy capacity. From our current installed capacity of 3,300 megawatts, we are committed to scaling up to at least 10,000MW in the next five to seven years, 3,000MW of which will be generated from nuclear energy,” the President said.

“Consequently, Kenya plans to commence construction of a 2,000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County next year (2027), with commissioning of the project expected in 2034."

According to the government, the energy expansion plan is part of a wider economic strategy aimed at strengthening key sectors while addressing employment and productivity challenges.

In the education sector, Mwaura said over 100,000 teachers have already been recruited out of a planned 116,000, with the remaining positions subject to ongoing court processes. The recruitment drive is intended to address staffing shortages in public schools.

On energy supply, he maintained that the country currently has sufficient fuel stocks despite recent disruptions attributed to hoarding.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority is expected to issue new guidelines to stabilise the market, while investigations into malpractice continue.

The spokesperson further stated that the government is also working to resolve long-standing debts in agriculture, including Sh6.8 billion owed to coffee farmers and part of the Sh10 billion debt in the sugar sector, with funds already allocated in the current budget.

According to Mwaura, economic indicators cited by the government point to improved stability, with inflation easing to 5.3 per cent and the Kenyan shilling holding at around 130 to the US dollar.

He said revenue collection has surpassed Sh2 trillion, while the fiscal deficit has been reduced to 3.9 per cent of GDP.

Tourism and agriculture remain key drivers of growth, with the country recording 7.9 million visitors last year and continued gains in farm output supported by subsidy programmes.

The government has also highlighted progress in financial inclusion through the Financial Inclusion Fund, which has disbursed billions of shillings to micro, small and medium enterprises.

Mwaura highlighted reforms in the creative sector, with revised guidelines introduced for the Kenya National Drama Festival.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission continues with voter registration, having enrolled over 344,000 new voters.

The government says the combined measures are aimed at sustaining economic recovery, expanding infrastructure and enhancing service delivery across sectors.