The government has designated the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) as the operating organisation for the planned Sh36.7 billion Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor (KNRR) to be established at Konza Technopolis.
The designation, conveyed by Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi in a letter dated October 12, gives the agency responsibility for developing, constructing, commissioning, operating and maintaining the 10-megawatt thermal (MWth) facility.
NuPEA will also oversee the reactor’s utilisation and plan for its eventual decommissioning, marking a key step towards implementation of Kenya’s nuclear research programme.
The announcement comes as Kenya concluded an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission that assessed the country’s readiness to advance the project towards construction.
The review, conducted from October 15 to 23, examined progress in establishing the infrastructure required for the reactor, including regulatory arrangements, safety, security, human resources and project implementation.
NuPEA said the designation fulfilled a key requirement under the IAEA’s Milestones Approach for Research Reactors, which guides the development of the programme.
The agency said the facility would provide a foundation for developing the scientists, engineers and technical specialists required to support Kenya’s broader nuclear ambitions.
“The KNRR is a cornerstone of Kenya’s readiness for nuclear power,” the agency said in a statement.
The reactor is expected to support scientific research, training and the production of specialised products for use in healthcare, agriculture and industry.
Unlike commercial nuclear power plants, which generate electricity, research reactors produce neutrons used in scientific experiments, materials testing, training and medical applications.
One of the anticipated benefits is strengthening Kenya’s capacity to produce medical isotopes used in diagnosing and treating diseases, including cancer. The facility is also expected to support research into agricultural applications and industrial processes.
The government has previously estimated the project’s cost at Sh36.7 billion and proposed Konza Technopolis as its location.
NuPEA said implementation was currently in Phase Two of the IAEA’s development framework, which focuses on preparation for construction.
Progress includes securing land at Konza, approval of the project concept note by the National Treasury, technical studies, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
The agency said the institutional framework would separate policy direction, regulation and project implementation.
The State Department for Energy will provide policy direction and oversight, while the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) will independently regulate nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security and safeguards.
NuPEA, as the designated operating organisation, will be responsible for delivering and running the facility in line with international standards.
The designation comes as Kenya advances plans for a commercial nuclear power plant in Siaya County, with the government targeting groundbreaking in 2027.
The research reactor is expected to help build the technical expertise needed for the wider nuclear programme, reducing reliance on overseas training and strengthening domestic scientific capabilities.
Kenya has been working with the IAEA to develop the regulatory, technical and institutional capacity required for the safe and peaceful application of nuclear technology.
The agency’s first Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for Research Reactors was held in December 2023. The latest assessment examined progress since that review and identified areas requiring further action.
NuPEA said the designation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear technology and strengthened Kenya’s ambition to become a regional centre for nuclear science and innovation.
