MWE Correspondent
Kenya plans to begin construction of a nuclear research facility at Konza City in 2027 as part of its strategy to strengthen scientific research, develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and prepare skilled professionals for future nuclear programmes.
The proposed facility is expected to expand the country’s scientific capabilities, support medical research and provide practical training for technicians, engineers and scientists working in nuclear-related fields.
The project was highlighted during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for a New Research Reactor, Phase 2, which assessed Kenya’s progress towards establishing a research reactor programme.
Speaking during the review mission, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Shaukat Abdulrazak emphasised the importance of developing national expertise and building the institutional capacity required to manage nuclear technology safely and effectively.
The research facility is expected to serve as a training and scientific centre, giving Kenyan specialists opportunities to develop skills in nuclear science, radiation applications, reactor operations and related technical disciplines. Such expertise could also support the country’s longer-term ambitions in nuclear energy.
One of the proposed facility’s important applications is the production of molybdenum-99, a radioactive isotope used to produce technetium-99m, which is widely employed in medical imaging procedures. These procedures help doctors examine organs and diagnose conditions affecting the heart, bones and other parts of the body.
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Developing domestic capabilities in this area could strengthen Kenya’s access to nuclear medicine and reduce some of its dependence on externally supplied medical radioisotopes. However, successful production would require specialised infrastructure, regulatory approval, trained personnel and reliable systems for handling radioactive materials.
Research reactors are different from commercial nuclear power plants. They are primarily designed to support scientific research, materials testing, education and the production of certain radioisotopes rather than generate electricity on a large scale.
Their applications can extend to agriculture, industry and environmental science, including research into improved crop varieties, radiation-based industrial processes and the behaviour of materials under different conditions.
Kenya’s proposed facility could therefore serve as an important foundation for developing a broader nuclear science sector. The country’s universities are expected to play a role in training the workforce needed to operate research facilities and support future nuclear programmes.
The project is also part of Kenya’s wider ambition to introduce nuclear power into its electricity system. According to the reported plans, the government is preparing to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and electricity supply to the national grid targeted for 2034.
If implemented as planned, the power plant could provide a substantial source of electricity to complement Kenya’s existing energy mix, which includes geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar generation. Nuclear power can provide continuous electricity with relatively low operational carbon emissions, although projects typically require substantial upfront investment, extensive safety assessments and long construction periods.
The research facility and proposed power plant would require different regulatory and technical arrangements. Research reactors generally operate at lower power levels and serve scientific purposes, while commercial nuclear plants are designed to produce electricity for distribution through the national grid.
The IAEA’s review process is intended to help countries identify infrastructure requirements and assess their readiness to establish nuclear research programmes. Key considerations include nuclear safety, security, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, human-resource development and the management of radioactive waste.
For Kenya, building these capabilities will be essential as it advances towards greater use of nuclear technology in healthcare, research and energy production.
The planned developments reflect the country’s broader effort to expand its scientific infrastructure and diversify its technological capabilities. Their long-term impact will depend on financing, regulatory preparedness, workforce development and the government’s ability to implement the projects in accordance with international nuclear safety standards.
