Kenya Misses Out As Russia Proposes Nuclear Power Plants In Uganda, Ethiopia & Other African Nations

Russia is advancing negotiations with four African countries to establish nuclear power plants, raising questions about Kenya’s position in the growing energy partnership between Moscow and African nations.

Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and Egypt are among the countries engaging Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom over plans to develop large-scale nuclear power facilities.

The proposed projects are expected to strengthen electricity generation, address rising energy demand and provide reliable power to support industrial expansion.

Rosatom Chief Executive Alexei Likhachev confirmed that Russia was prepared to offer different nuclear technologies depending on the requirements and financial capabilities of individual countries.

Speaking to Reuters on Friday, October 30, Likhachev said Moscow was pursuing partnerships that went beyond individual projects, with customised arrangements designed to suit different African countries.

Uganda and Ethiopia are among the countries involved in the ongoing discussions, while Ghana is considering a major nuclear facility. Egypt, meanwhile, is already hosting Russia’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant project.

Russia is also exploring floating nuclear power technology across the continent, with nine African countries reportedly expressing considerable interest. Egypt, Tanzania, Togo and Namibia are among those involved in detailed negotiations.

The development follows the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, which brought together leaders and officials to discuss economic cooperation, investment and energy partnerships.

President William Ruto attended the summit and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on October 30.

Despite Kenya’s engagement with Moscow, the country was not among the four African nations identified in the latest negotiations for large nuclear power plants.

However, Nairobi has its own ambitious nuclear energy programme. The government is planning a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and operations targeted for 2034.

Kenya also intends to establish its first nuclear research reactor at Konza Technopolis, with construction scheduled to start in 2027.

The facility will support scientific research, specialist training and peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

Africa currently has only one operational nuclear power station, the Koeberg facility in South Africa, which was developed using French technology and began operations in the 1980s.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129028-russia-advances-nuclear-power-talks-uganda-ethiopia-ghana-and-egypt

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