Kenya Selects KenGen for Nuclear Plant, Promotes Culinary Tourism, and Expands Cashless Payments - December 2025

Kenya has selected Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) to operate its first nuclear power plant, a pivotal step toward adding up to 10 gigawatts of new electricity capacity for industrial growth. Separately, the country is strategically positioning its food culture to capture a larger share of the global culinary tourism market, which reached Sh1.09 trillion in 2024. This initiative aims to diversify revenue and attract visitors, as 81 percent of international travelers now choose destinations based on food. In the financial sector, SBM Bank Kenya has partnered with Mastercard to enhance its transaction capabilities. The partnership aims to accelerate cashless payments by phasing in new Mastercard-branded cards for customers.