Kenya has missed out on a major nuclear power deal with Russia as its neighbours Uganda and Ethiopia move closer to partnerships with Moscow. Russia’s state owned nuclear corporation Rosatom is in talks with four African countries to build large nuclear power plants.
Uganda and Ethiopia are in the negotiations alongside Ghana and Egypt. Egypt already hosts the Russian built El Dabaa nuclear power plant while Ghana is discussing a large facility of its own.
Rosatom Chief Executive Alexei Likhachev told Reuters on Friday October 30 that Russia is ready to supply plants of different sizes and configurations. He said Africa is diverse and each country will get a tailored approach.
Russia is also pursuing floating nuclear power technology across the continent. Nine countries have shown significant interest while Egypt and Tanzania are already in detailed negotiations. Togo and Namibia are also at the same stage.
The development comes a day after the third Russia Africa Summit in Moscow. President William Ruto attended the event and held talks with President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines.
Kenya has its own nuclear ambitions. The government has proposed a 2000MW nuclear power plant in Siaya County. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 with commissioning targeted for 2034.
The country also plans to build its first nuclear research reactor at Konza Technopolis. Construction is expected to start in 2027 and the facility will support research and training.
Africa currently has only one operating nuclear power plant. It is South Africa’s Koeberg facility which entered service in the mid 1980s using French technology.