International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved Kenyan government’s application to integrate nuclear power in its energy mix. Last week, the agency submitted minister of mines, Dan Kazungu, a review of the request, issued after four years of work.

According to IAEA’s deputy director general, Mikhail Chudakov, “Kenya should utilize nuclear power for it to become a middle-income country in the future”. IAEA’s full evaluation review shows there have been major developments such as feasibility study which covers 19 main points of a nuclear program. “Kenyans do not fear nuclear power, especially since it can have a very positive impact on tariffs. What they fear is safety concerns that can be allayed by public sensitization,” Dan kazungu said.

The study covers funding, security, development of human resources, law and regulation, power grid, probable construction site for the nuclear plant.