Kenya has once again captured international attention as the United States deepens its diplomatic ties with the East African nation. This week marks the arrival of Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, making her the third high-profile U.S. official to visit Kenya within a month. Jenkins’ visit, scheduled for August 28, 2024, underscores the strategic importance the U.S. places on its relationship with Kenya, especially in light of the recent protests that rocked the country starting mid-June.
Jenkins is expected to engage with African policymakers and industry leaders on the future of nuclear energy in Africa, a topic that is increasingly central to Kenya’s energy strategy. Her visit follows closely on the heels of Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya’s visit. During her stay, Zeya held critical discussions with Kenyan officials regarding the police’s conduct during the protests, highlighting concerns over the use of excessive force.
Earlier this month, Senator Chris Murphy also visited Kenya, meeting with key figures in government, business, civil society, and NGOs to discuss the impact and future of U.S. investments in the country. These visits form part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at addressing security concerns while fostering closer ties with African nations.
At the heart of these diplomatic engagements is Kenya’s hosting of the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Summit, a pivotal event for the continent’s exploration of nuclear energy. For Kenya, this summit is particularly significant as it examines the feasibility of establishing its first nuclear power plant, a project with an estimated cost of Ksh500 billion. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has emphasized that while much of the technology will need to be imported, the summit offers a crucial platform to discuss key aspects such as human resource development, management, and financing.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo has been forthright about the challenges Kenya faces in its nuclear aspirations, especially the financial burden of such an ambitious project. “It’s quite costly. A nuclear power plant of about 1000 megawatts will cost upwards of Ksh500 billion. The question is how we are going to finance this mega project, especially given the financial strains many African countries like ours are currently experiencing,” Wabuyabo remarked.
The summit is expected to draw significant attention, with at least six African ministers anticipated to attend. President William Ruto is also expected to be present, marking the first major public engagement for the newly appointed Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi. His role will be crucial as Kenya navigates the complexities of nuclear energy, a sector that, while promising, is fraught with potential risks and high costs.
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, is scheduled to deliver remarks on the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Africa’s nuclear energy ambitions. Her statements are likely to reflect the broader U.S. strategy of enhancing its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, the U.S. has already committed over USD 3.8 billion (approximately Ksh490.656 billion) in humanitarian assistance in the current fiscal year, making it the largest single humanitarian donor to Africa—a fact that resonates strongly with regional leaders.
