The cost of living may go down if Kenya fully adopts nuclear electricity, this is according to Dr. Anderson KipKoech, member Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB).He said that the move will boost generation of nuclear power to address the issue of power shortages, that results to power blackouts and rationing.
“Nuclear electricity will address the issue of power shortages in the country which has resulted in the rise in the cost of production. The project will bring down the cost of production hence the cost of living, it will also speed the process of rural electrification and create jobs which will enable Kenya to achieve vision 2030.” Said Dr. Anderson.
The building of more nuclear power plants will contribute substantially to state and local economies, both in direct spending and in economic activity generated by the presence of the plant and its employees and the surrounding community. Local industries, transport industry and homesteads will benefit from reduced operating cost.
The mandate of KNEB is; to promote the safe and secure application of nuclear technology for sustainable electricity generation and distribution in Kenya. Identify, prepare and facilitate the implementation of a roadmap for a nuclear power program, and in collaboration with relevant Government agencies, develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for nuclear electricity generation in Kenya.
It is also mandated with developing a human resource capacity to ensure Kenya has the requisite manpower to successfully establish and maintain a nuclear power program, and to enter into collaborative programmes’ related to nuclear electricity research and development with other international and national organizations.
Some of the benefits of the nuclear power are affordability because they produce efficient electricity around the clock. Job creation since nuclear plants create about 1500 construction jobs, and up to 700 permanent jobs in terms of operation and maintenance of the plants.