The IAEA is helping Kenya ramp up its stakeholder engagement efforts as the country looks to start up its first reactor by 2034. Last week, the IAEA hosted a delegation of 35 Kenyan officials, governors and policymakers at its Vienna headquarters for a visit that aimed to foster informed dialogue and raise awareness about what is required for a successful nuclear power programme.
Kenya's Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) announced at a November 2024 parliamentary meeting that Kenya is on schedule to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant by 2027.
Importance of Strong Stakeholder Engagement
Uyombo, in Kilifi county, is one of the preferred sites for the country's first nuclear power plant, and representatives from the Kilifi County Government were among the delegation in Vienna. But as plans take shape and the site selection process moves forward, concerns surrounding potential risks to human health, tourism and biodiversity have been raised by local residents and officials.
Questions have been posed about how agriculture, including the fishing industry, could be impacted, and some residents have expressed fears about health risks. On the whole, many Uyombo community members have reservations about hosting a nuclear power plant, highlighting the need for more proactive stakeholder engagement emphasizing inclusive dialogue.
"Based on the feedback we received, we understand that this visit provided the delegation with a well-rounded understanding of nuclear energy-its potential benefits, its challenges, and the responsibilities it entails," said Liliya Dulinets, Head of the IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. "The IAEA remains committed to supporting Kenya on its nuclear journey, including in strengthening communication strategies and ensuring that stakeholders-especially local communities-are meaningfully engaged in the process."
The visit was supported with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy through the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative.
Rise of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is on the rise in many regions across the world - including Africa. Construction of Egypt's first nuclear power plant is underway at the El Dabaa site along the country's Mediterranean coast, and Ghana signed an agreement to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) at a nuclear energy summit last year. South Africa, the only nuclear power operating country in Africa, is aiming to add additional generating capacity to its nuclear power programme.
"Implementing Kenya's nuclear power programme has presented both exciting opportunities and complex challenges, particularly in stakeholder engagement. This technical visit has offered valuable insights and learning experiences," said Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of NuPEA. "We request the IAEA for continued support, and specifically the Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Service."
Electricity access in Kenya has significantly expanded over the last two decades, with access now available to about three quarters of the population, according to the International Energy Agency. As electricity demand continues to increase, Kenya is looking to deploy a combination of SMRs and large reactors to meet this rising demand.
"For us in Kilifi, this visit has been incredibly insightful in understanding how nuclear power can bring tangible benefits to communities. Witnessing the practical applications and engaging with experts has given us a clearer picture of the potential for job creation, infrastructure development and access to reliable energy," said Chibule Flora Mbetsa, Deputy Governor of Kilifi County. "Our key takeaway is the importance of community engagement and transparency as this programme progresses, and we look forward to exploring concrete next steps to ensure our region can benefit from this vital development."
Sharing Experience in Nuclear Power
Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with IAEA experts to learn about various aspects of nuclear energy, from its benefits to financing considerations to spent fuel management. The visit also included a tour of the IAEA's Seibersdorf laboratories, as well as of the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre, the world's centre for the coordination of international emergency preparedness and response assistance. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit Hungary's Paks Nuclear Power Plant and meet with Anita Heringes, Mayor of Paks, and other senior officials who offered insights into the social, economic, and environmental aspects of hosting a nuclear facility.
"This technical visit marks a crucial step in enhancing Kenya's nuclear power development," said Isaac Kiva, a representative of Kenya's Ministry of Energy & Petroleum. "The firsthand experience of an operating nuclear power plant and the competitive price of electricity from nuclear power, comparable to our least cost power, has greatly enhanced our commitment to the development of a sustainable nuclear power programme that will contribute significantly to Kenya's energy security and socioeconomic growth."
Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes
Later this month, the IAEA will host the first International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes at its headquarters in Vienna. The event will include in-depth discussions on stakeholder engagement approaches throughout the nuclear fuel cycle and life cycle of nuclear facilities, with more than 500 registered participants from around 80 countries and 11 international organizations as of 13 May.
The conference will also feature a special event dedicated to communities hosting nuclear facilities, with mayors from about 80 communities from 26 countries participating in the event. The event will be livestreamed and translated in all UN official languages, with the link provided on the conference page shortly before the start of the event.
IAEA Support on Stakeholder Engagement
The IAEA regularly holds national and regional workshops on stakeholder engagement, including through the IAEA technical cooperation programme, and integrates this topic in its review missions. The IAEA has recently stepped up its support to countries in this area by establishing its Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Service for Nuclear Power Programmes through which countries are guided in a comprehensive assessment of their stakeholder engagement efforts and given advice on how to enhance their approaches.
Additional guidance on communicating and engaging with various stakeholder groups is provided in publications such as Stakeholder Engagement in Nuclear Programmes and Communication and Stakeholder Involvement in Radioactive Waste Disposal.
