Tag Archives: ruto

Kenya’s Race for Nuclear Energy: Partners and Perspectives

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Kenya’s nuclear aspirations are gaining momentum, with the government actively engaging international partners to fulfill its goal of building a nuclear power plant by 2034. This ambition aligns with the country’s desire to meet rising energy demands and transition towards a low-carbon energy mix. The recent signing of a historic nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S. signals Kenya’s commitment to leveraging American expertise and technology for the project. Meanwhile, Russia remains a significant contender, pushing forward with its offer to assist Kenya through the provision of nuclear expertise and technology under Rosatom’s expanding African footprint. The competition between these two nuclear powerhouses, alongside China’s emerging influence in financing infrastructure, positions Kenya as a battleground for competing geopolitical interests in nuclear development.

Bizhub 360 Report

Despite Kenya’s active role in the global nuclear conversation, opposition within the country remains, particularly from environmental activists and local communities in areas like Kilifi, where the plant is proposed to be built. Concerns about potential environmental degradation, water usage, and safety risks are driving resistance to the project. Activists have also questioned the economic viability of nuclear power, given the country’s significant investments in renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind. Kenya’s government, however, continues to emphasize the long-term benefits of nuclear energy, positioning it as a solution to future energy shortages while enhancing the country’s industrial capacity and regional leadership in sustainable energy.

Aljazeera Report

In light of these developments, Kenya must carefully consider its approach to nuclear energy. While the partnerships with global powers offer an avenue to modernize its energy infrastructure, there are crucial issues to address. First, Kenya must invest in robust regulatory frameworks to ensure nuclear safety and non-proliferation compliance. Additionally, transparency in project execution and addressing public concerns about environmental and social impacts will be crucial. Diversifying partnerships beyond Russia and the U.S., perhaps through exploring China’s SMR technology, could also provide a balanced approach to mitigating reliance on any single nuclear superpower. By taking these steps, Kenya can navigate the complex interplay of global nuclear diplomacy while advancing its national energy interests responsibly.

References:

IAI Russian Nuclear Diplomacy in the Global South, and How to Respond to It

Intellinews Kenya signs historic pact with US to advance its nuclear power plans

NEA NEA visits Kenya to explore co-operation, participates in discussions on advancing nuclear energy programmes in Africa

The Africa Report Kenya aims to build nuclear power plant by 2034, says minister

The EastAfrican Kenya to host second US-African nuclear summit

GZERO Russia invites Africa to go nuclear

ROSATOM Atoms Empowering Africa winners travel to Russia to see nuclear innovations and cultural destinations

Raila Odinga’s Ambitious Bid for African Union Commission Chairperson

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Raila Odinga, a veteran Kenyan politician and leader of the opposition, has set his sights on the prestigious position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson. However, his bid faces significant hurdles due to proposed changes in the AU’s election rules. These new regulations, which aim to introduce stricter eligibility criteria, could potentially disqualify Odinga from the race. Despite this, Odinga’s ambition remains undeterred as he seeks to navigate these challenges with the support of the Kenyan government.

Raila Odinga

The Kenyan government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, has publicly endorsed Odinga’s candidacy. A campaign secretariat has been established to bolster his bid, reflecting a rare moment of cooperation between the two political adversaries. Nevertheless, internal coordination issues have led to delays in the formal submission of Odinga’s application. By June 30, 2024, the government had yet to submit his bid, raising concerns about their commitment and the potential impact on Odinga’s chances. The deadline for submission is fast approaching, with the government racing against time to ensure that all necessary documentation is filed by August 6, 2024. This delay has amplified anxieties about the effectiveness of the campaign and whether the bid will meet the stringent new criteria set by the AU.

In parallel with addressing submission delays, diplomatic efforts are in full swing to garner support for Odinga’s candidature across the African continent. Kenyan envoys have been actively lobbying for endorsements from other member states, emphasizing Odinga’s extensive experience and commitment to African unity. Domestically, Odinga has shown his political acumen by responding supportively to recent Gen Z demonstrations, while simultaneously criticizing the government’s heavy-handed response to these protests. He condemned the administration’s approach, aligning himself with the youth movements and advocating for more progressive policies. The outcome of these efforts remains uncertain, with the next few weeks being crucial for Odinga’s campaign. If successful, Odinga could leverage his political acumen and regional backing to secure the AUC Chairperson position. However, failure to meet the AU’s new eligibility criteria or the submission deadline could result in disqualification, significantly impacting his political trajectory.

References:

The Star Why Raila’s bid for AUC top job is yet to be submitted – PS Sing’oei
Nation State in race against time to officially nominate Raila for AUC post

Kenya News Agency Envoys Urged To Popularize Raila Odinga’s AU Bid
The Kenya Times EXPLAINED: New AU Changes That Could Lock Out Raila from Race

The Nairobi Law Monthly Govt yet to submit Odinga name for AUC position

The EastAfrican Kenya to submit Raila’s AUC candidature by June 30