The UN nuclear agency on Monday said it will help African states cooperate in the development of nuclear sources for electricity generation.

Anne Starz, Visiting International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy, said in Nairobi that a number of African states have already expressed interest in the development of nuclear power.

"We will provide technical assistance as well as facilitate bilateral cooperation and learning among African countries," Starz said during the opening of the IAEA's Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission of Kenya's Nuclear Electricity Programme.

As part of the mission, a team of 11 international nuclear energy experts are set to review Kenya's progress towards including nuclear energy into its energy mix.

The IAEA mission will conduct a one-week study on Kenya nuclear programme and is expected to deliver a report in three months.

Starz said nuclear energy is an obvious attraction for African countries that are keen to develop reliable sources of power that will allow them to grow their economies. She stated that it is important for African countries to share their experiences as they seek to adopt nuclear energy.

South Africa is the only African nation that is currently operating a nuclear power plant. Morocco has expressed interest to use nuclear power, while Nigeria and Egypt have already taken decision to use nuclear energy.

According to the IAEA, nuclear power does have a role to play as part of a robust energy portfolio across Africa. The nuclear agency will advise African states on the international standards and best practice, but is national regulators that will oversee individual country nuclear power programs.

Data from the IAEA, showed that about 620 million people in Sub Saharan Africa don't have access to electricity while those who have it, don't have reliable supply.

Starz added that nuclear power is a sovereign national decision that requires a commitment of at least 100 years.

Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) Executive Chairman Ochilo Ayacko said that develop of nuclear power involves three phases. Kenya has concluded a pre feasibility study and self evaluations, and is about to complete about to complete the first phase.

KNEB said the actual commencement date of nuclear electricity generation will be based on meeting all international standards.

"We anticipate the first power plant to be operational in 2023," the chairman said.

Principal Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Joseph Njoroge said that countries with similar population and size as Kenya requires between 45000 to 50,000 Megawatts against current generation of 2,200 MW.

Njoroge said that Kenya's geothermal potential is 20,000 MW, while electricity from sources such as wind solar hydropower depends on many factors such as weather. Enditem