The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, has formally designated the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) as the Operating Organization for the Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor (KNRR), a 10 MWth open-pool research reactor to be established at Konza Technopolis. The designation was conveyed by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, EGH, in a letter dated 12 th October, 2026.
The decision vests in NuPEA’s full responsibility for the development, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance and utilization of the facility, and for planning its eventual decommissioning. Anchored in the Agency’s mandate under the Energy Act, Cap. 314, and aligned with the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it entrusts NuPEA with the safe, secure and efficient delivery of a strategic national investment.
The KNRR is a cornerstone of Kenya’s readiness for nuclear power. It will serve as the national platform for developing the scientists, engineers and technical experts, and will provide the research capability that the country’s nuclear power programme demands. The facility will also deliver products and services for the peaceful application of nuclear technology across key sectors of the economy, including health, agriculture, industry, education, and scientific research.
Implementation of the project is guided by the IAEA Milestones Approach for Research Reactors, and is in Phase 2 (Preparation for Construction). Notable progress includes securing land at Konza Technopolis, National Treasury approval of the project concept note, implementation of technical studies, and sustained capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Following the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission for Research Reactors (INIR-RR) Phase 1 hosted in December 2023, Kenya today concludes the INIR-RR Phase 2 Mission, held from 15th to 23rd October 2026, which has assessed the country’s progress in establishing the infrastructure required to advance the project towards construction.
The project rests on a clear institutional framework: The State Department for Energy provides policy direction and oversight; the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) exercises independent regulatory oversight of nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security and safeguards; and NuPEA, as the Operating Organization, will be responsible for construction, commissioning, and operation of the facility to the highest international standards.
This milestone reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to the peaceful, safe and secure use of nuclear technology and strengthens the country’s standing as an emerging hub for nuclear science and innovation in the region.
Additionally, this designation fulfills a key requirement of the IAEA Milestone Approach (National Position) under which this programme is being implemented.