Kenya is once again in the international spotlight as the United States deepens its diplomatic engagement with the East African nation.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The announcement on Monday, August 26, of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins’ visit to Nairobi, is the third high-profile U.S. official to visit Kenya within a month.
This flurry of diplomatic activity points to the strategic importance the U.S. places on its relationship with Kenya, especially following the protests that rocked the country starting mid-June.
Ambassador Jenkins, scheduled to arrive on August 28, 2024, is expected to engage African policymakers and industry leaders on the future of nuclear energy in Africa.
Her visit follows closely on the heels of Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya’s visit, during which she held critical discussions with Kenyan officials regarding police operations during the recent protests.
Zeya’s visit was marked by tense conversations surrounding the use of excessive force by Kenyan police. These visits are seen as part of the U.S.’s broader strategy to address security concerns while fostering closer ties with African nations.
In this same month, Senator Chris Murphy visited Kenya, meeting with government, business, civil society, and NGO leaders to discuss the role US investments.
The backdrop of these visits is Kenya’s hosting of the US-Africa Nuclear Summit, where the focus will be on the continent’s shift towards nuclear energy. For Kenya, this summit is pivotal as it explores the feasibility of establishing its first nuclear power plant, a project estimated to cost Ksh500 billion.
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has indicated that while the technology will be largely imported, the summit presents an opportunity to discuss critical aspects such as human resource development, management, and financing.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo has been candid about the challenges Kenya faces in its nuclear ambitions, particularly the financial burden of such a massive 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 stated.
The summit, is expected to draw significant attention, with at least six African ministers in attendance. President William Ruto is also anticipated to grace the event, which will mark the first major public engagement for 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 is not only new but also 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 will likely reflect the broader U.S. strategy of bolstering its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it has already committed over USD 3.8 billion (about Ksh490.656 billion) in humanitarian assistance in the current fiscal year.
This makes the United States the largest single humanitarian donor to Africa, a fact that is not lost on regional leaders…CONTINUE READING>>
