Kenya plans to set up its first nuclear power plant by 2027, becoming the second country in Africa after South Africa.

The construction of the plant is expected to start within seven years, the East Africa reports.

The Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (Kneb) chief executive officer, Collins Juma said on Tuesday that the actual site will be ready within the next two years.

“The journey to have a nuclear plant started in 2009 and already we have done prefeasibility study and we have been doing the siting work for the last five years but we are hopeful that by 2024 construction works should begin, which will make us the second country in Africa after South Africa to set up a nuclear power plant,” said Mr Juma.

According to Juma building a single nuclear power plant capable of producing 1,000MW will require large amount of money, costing $5-$6 billion, which is equivalent to Ksh500 -600 billion.

Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding with four countries to help in capacity building and input of highly skilled personnel.

According to Juma, the programme will provide jobs locally both directly and indirectly. Over 5,000 people will be involved in the construction of the plant.

Kenya is among countries globally gradually shifting to cleaner fuels for electricity.

According to Juma, there are 438 nuclear power reactors in operation globally with a total installed capacity of 374,301MW and a further 71 under construction.

“We need more power at affordable prices. Nuclear power is environmentally friendly, affordable, reliable and sustainable,” he said.

Juma said that Kenya will require an estimated 16,000 megawatts of electricity by.

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