Kenya is pursuing the development of the country's first research reactor, a stepping stone towards a future nuclear power programme, and invited an International Atomic Energy Agency mission to review the development of its national nuclear infrastructure.

Discussions with ministers from several African countries have been held at the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference about nuclear power's potential role in helping economic development and water supply while also mitigating climate change as it provides clean and reliable energy.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has provided an update on Kenya's progress since its 2015 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission. INIR missions enable IAEA member states to have in-depth discussions with international experts about the conditions and best international practices in the development of a nuclear power programme.

Countries embarking on nuclear energy programmes for the first time or expanding their programmes after a long period without construction face integrated challenges, representatives from emerging and expanding nuclear countries have said. These challenges include the development of human resources as well as financial and political considerations.

China General Nuclear and the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board have extended their cooperation in the development of nuclear energy in the African country with the signing of two new agreements.

The construction of a nuclear power plant in Kenya based on the Hualong 1 design will be examined under a memorandum of understanding signed between China General Nuclear (CGN) and the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board.

Kenya has made significant progress in its preparations to develop a nuclear power infrastructure, an team of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts has concluded.