Morning mist drifts across Luanda Kotieno, a quiet fishing hub on the shores of Lake Victoria. Soon, this tranquil town could host one of Kenya’s most ambitious and controversial energy projects — the country’s first nuclear power plant.
The government’s decision to shift the proposed 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant from Uyombo in Kilifi County to Siaya has stirred mixed reactions. Officials say the relocation followed site suitability studies and environmental assessments, but many residents remain wary.
Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) says the plant will help stabilize the country’s electricity supply and support industrial growth. The plan is to have nuclear energy connected to the grid by 2034.
Supporters argue that nuclear power offers a clean, reliable alternative to fossil fuels and could strengthen Kenya’s energy independence. It would also diversify the grid and provide consistent baseload power, something renewables like wind and solar cannot always guarantee.
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But environmental groups and policy analysts caution that nuclear energy carries significant risks if not managed with precision. The proximity of the proposed site to Lake Victoria—a vital freshwater resource for millions—raises concerns about potential ecological and health impacts. Heated discharge water, waste storage, and radiation safety are among the major issues being discussed.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently acknowledged Kenya’s progress in establishing a regulatory framework for nuclear safety. However, the agency also emphasized the need for long-term institutional capacity and transparent engagement with local communities.
For Siaya residents, the shift has renewed anxiety over how such a project might affect fisheries, agriculture, and tourism—key pillars of the local economy. Many are calling for more information, community education, and assurance that safety standards will not be compromised.
Beyond environmental concerns, there are questions about cost. Estimates suggest the project could exceed KES 600 billion, making it one of the most expensive undertakings in Kenya’s history. Critics argue that investing in the country’s strong renewable energy sector—where geothermal, hydro, and solar already supply over 90% of electricity—might be a safer and more affordable path.
Still, the government maintains that nuclear power will be part of a diversified energy mix to meet rising demand and align with Kenya’s industrialization goals. Plans include safety audits, environmental monitoring, and collaboration with international partners to ensure global best practices are followed.
Kenya’s move toward nuclear energy marks a major step in its pursuit of sustainable growth. But as the project advances, transparency, community engagement, and environmental protection will determine whether this bold vision becomes a breakthrough—or a burden.
