An important step forward in Kenya’s nuclear plans took place on April 21, when the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) presented the government with a review of its nuclear application, known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review. The review judges many factors needed to build nuclear plants, and makes recommendations to the applicant, to enable it to meet the international standards.

“Kenya should utilise nuclear power for it to become a middle-income country in the future,” said Mikhail Chudakov, the visiting IAEA Deputy Director General.

“Let me reiterate the ministry’s unwavering support and encouragement for the nuclear power program,” said Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, in a prepared statement. Kenya has announced plans to have its first nuclear power plant by 2027. The only power-producing nuclear plant on the continent today, is in South Africa.

While in Nairobi, the IAEA’s Chudakov told Xinhua that over 30 African nations are considering introducing nuclear power. “We have already conducted [IAEA review] missions in Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.” A review will be conducted in Ghana next year, he said.

“Increasing populations and expanding economic growth is [sic] fueling demand for additional power,” said Chudakov. “Africa should join the club of developed countries that have used nuclear energy to meet electricity needs for their industries and households.” 

Fresh from his tune-up with the British and Saudi monarchies, President Obama delivered a lengthy speech Monday morning at the Hannover industrial fair, in which he:

* Threatened Russia: “Russian aggression has flagrantly violated the sovereignty and territory of an independent European nation, Ukraine… And it seems to threaten the progress that’s been made since the end of the Cold War.”

* Rejected European demands for an end to sanctions against Russia: “I want good relations with Russia… but we need to keep sanctions on Russia in place until Russia fully implements the Minsk agreements.”

* Demanded that Europe cough up more money for his war policy: “Every NATO member should be contributing its full share—2% of GDP—towards our common security.”

* Praised the genocidal policies of the IMF and World Bank: “International financial institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund promote prosperity for all peoples.”

* And then ran off the rails altogether: “We are fortunate to be living in the most peaceful, most prosperous, most progressive era in human history… More people live in democracies. We’re wealthier and healthier and better educated, with a global economy that has lifted up more than a billion people from extreme poverty, and created new middle classes from the Americas to Africa to Asia.”

Obama put the icing on the cake in the afternoon, after his brief summit with the heads of state of Germany, the U.K., France and Italy. Italian President Renzi stated that “Barack Obama said he was willing to commit NATO assets to block the traffic in human beings and the people smugglers” off the Libyan coast in the Mediterranean.