Kenya and South Korea have entered into a an agreement that will see the two countries collaborate in nuclear power development.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is expected to cover technical cooperation in nuclear energy research and development.
The agreement was signed between NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo and KAERI President Dr Han Gyu JOO, on the sidelines of the 69th International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference in Vienna.
The agreement marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s efforts to establish a robust nuclear infrastructure.
NuPEA is implementing the Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor (KNRR) project, which is central to the country’s sustainable nuclear ambitions.
According to the agency, research reactor is key to enhancing Kenya’s capacity for nuclear R&D and increasing national participation in the nuclear power programme.
The KNRR project is envisioned to play a vital role in achieving the objectives of Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA) by providing applications in health, energy, agriculture, industry, and research.
The signed MoU builds on a successful prior engagement between the two institutions, which saw the completion of the Feasibility Study for the KNRR project.
In Implementing the KNRR, NuPEA has already conducted extensive preliminary work, including stakeholder needs assessments, strategic planning, economic analysis, and site investigations.
This new agreement will strengthen collaborative efforts to further advance both nuclear power and research reactor programmes in Kenya, ultimately contributing to the nation’s long-term energy security, scientific progress, and industrial growth.
NuPEA and KAERI reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing nuclear science and technology for sustainable socio-economic development.
The two organisations have pledged to continue their partnership, guided by principles of transparency, responsibility, and mutual benefit, as they embark on this next phase of cooperation.
Kenya targets to install 20,000MW of nuclear energy by 2040 from it’s planned plant in Siaya County.
