Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called for enhanced international cooperation to advance nuclear energy across Africa, positioning it as a key element of the continent’s sustainable development agenda.

The remarks were made during the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICoNE) in Nairobi on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

“A secure, affordable and reliable energy mix remains central to Kenya’s growth and the broader aspirations of the African continent. Kenya is actively building strong partnerships to deliver this vision and expand access to sustainable power for our people,” Mudavadi stated.

He emphasised the need for nuclear energy to complement other clean and renewable sources, strengthening energy security reliably and cost-effectively.

The Cabinet Secretary also expressed appreciation for support from the United States of America, the Nuclear Energy Agency, the Republic of Korea, and other development partners.

Kenya strengthens energy partnerships

The call comes as Kenya continues to diversify its energy portfolio. While the country already leads Africa in renewable energy, particularly geothermal, nuclear power is seen as essential for baseload capacity to support industrialisation, urbanisation, and rising electricity demand.

On March 19, 2026, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira held talks with officials from the US Department of Energy, chaired by Assistant Secretary Kyle Haustveit and Deputy Assistant Secretary William Schirano.

The discussions focused on cooperation in nuclear power development, geothermal energy, clean cooking, and green industrialisation. Wachira noted that the US acknowledged Kenya’s progress under the 1-2-3 agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation and offered support in adopting advanced geothermal technologies.

Invitations were extended for US officials to participate in upcoming events, including ICoNE, KIICO2026, and the Clean Cooking Summit.

Nuclear energy as a driver of sustainable growth

Mudavadi highlighted that Kenya’s nuclear ambitions adhere strictly to international safety, security, and non-proliferation standards. He stressed the importance of operational excellence and public trust while involving youth and local communities.

The ICoNE conference, hosted jointly by Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, the NEA, the US Department of State, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, brought together African governments, regulators, experts, and global institutions to explore nuclear energy’s potential in driving economic progress.

Experts note that nuclear power provides high energy density, low carbon emissions, and large-scale electricity generation capacity, making it strategic for Africa’s energy deficit.

Mudavadi called for a collaborative approach among governments, development partners, and the private sector to unlock nuclear energy’s potential, highlighting its importance for achieving Agenda 2063 growth targets and ensuring a reliable, sustainable power supply across the continent.