EPRA, IAEA Meet in Nairobi to Chart Kenya’s Long-Term Energy Future

By Maurice Momanyi

Kenya has taken another step towards securing its long-term energy future as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) convene in Nairobi for a week-long regional meeting on integrated energy planning.

The meeting, which began on Tuesday, August 4, brings together energy experts from across Africa to examine Climate, Land-use, Energy and Water Systems (CLEWS) approaches that will help countries make informed decisions on future energy investments while balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability and energy security.

The discussions come at a time when Kenya is experiencing rising electricity demand and pursuing a diversified energy mix. While the country has made significant progress in renewable energy through geothermal, hydro, wind and solar power, the government is also exploring the integration of reliable low-carbon technologies, including nuclear energy, to meet future demand.

Opening the meeting, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Energy Alex K. Wachira said the Integrated National Energy Plan (INEP) requires policymakers to think beyond immediate energy needs by considering the relationship between energy demand, climate change, land use, water availability, technology and costs.

He noted that such an integrated approach will enable Kenya to make decisions that guarantee a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for future generations.

EPRA Acting Director General Dr. (Eng.) Joseph Oketch said Kenya has established a strong foundation in renewable energy but now needs to expand its energy portfolio by embracing emerging energy sources while strengthening collaboration across different sectors.

He added that the Energy (Integrated National Energy Plan) Regulations, 2025, provide a framework for implementing these energy strategies through public participation and enhanced technical capacity to guide the country’s long-term energy decisions.

The regional meeting is being held under the IAEA’s African Regional Cooperative Agreement (AFRA), which supports African countries in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. The initiative also builds on the momentum of the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICoNE 2026), where Kenya reaffirmed its ambition to develop up to 6,000 megawatts of nuclear power as part of its long-term industrialisation agenda. The country is currently undertaking site identification and characterisation in Kilifi and Siaya while strengthening the legal, policy and institutional frameworks required for safe nuclear energy development.

EPRA, which serves as Kenya’s National Counterpart Institution for the AFRA energy programme, said the Nairobi meeting will provide an opportunity for participating countries to exchange experiences, strengthen technical expertise and develop practical solutions to the complex energy planning challenges facing Africa.