By ERIC JUMA
Plans to construct Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County are gathering pace, with the government targeting March 2027 for the ground-breaking of the first phase expected to generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity, subject to approval by local residents.
The project, which is expected to run for about 100 years, is projected to ultimately generate up to 6,000 megawatts of electricity, although the initial phase will produce 2,000 megawatts.
According to the chairperson of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), Prof Larry Gumbe, the government is working with KenGen Kenya as the owner-operator to develop the country’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya.
“We are here in Siaya to strengthen collaboration with the county government and the County Commissioner Norbert Komora so that we can start work. We want to break ground before March 1, 2027 so that Kenya can begin generating nuclear power,” Gumbe said.
He noted that the government plans to develop 10,000 megawatts of additional electricity in the next decade, with nuclear power expected to contribute about 6,000 megawatts.
“We have had a very good reception and fruitful discussions with county leadership and soon our machines will arrive at the identified sites in Rarieda so that work can begin. Kenyans should expect cheap, stable and clean electricity,” Gumbe added.
He said public participation would be conducted to provide residents with detailed information about nuclear energy and to demystify fears and misconceptions associated with nuclear power.
“We have prepared a detailed 200-page document containing data, statistics, environmental issues, past accidents and reasons why the country needs nuclear energy,” he said.
The document, he explained, will be shared with stakeholders during community forums and consultative meetings so that residents can understand how nuclear technology works and the safety measures that will be put in place. He said transparency and continuous engagement with the public will be key in ensuring the project gains the confidence and support of the local community.
Gumbe noted that some countries have significantly expanded their electricity generation capacity over the years.
He cited Ethiopia as an example, saying the country once generated about 500 megawatts but currently produces nearly 10,000 megawatts.
“In Kenya we are still producing far less than what is required for economic transformation. To reach the level of developed economies, we must significantly increase our generation capacity,” he said.
He also lauded President William Ruto for prioritising nuclear energy and appointing KenGen as the owner-operator of the project.
“If we have power capacity and land, we can attract investors. It is possible to generate the entire 6,000 megawatts in Siaya,” he said.
KenGen board member Umoro Wario said the directive from the President was clear that the country should break ground for the project in Siaya by March 1, 2027.
“This calls for a whole-of-government approach and we will collaborate with all stakeholders from the national to the county level. We will soon begin stakeholder engagement,” Wario said.
He said the project would operate for about 100 years, making it important to build trust with the local community from the beginning.
“As KenGen we will ensure systems are put in place to engage the community openly and transparently,” he said.
Wario added that KenGen is currently the largest power producer in Kenya and is confident it has the capacity to deliver the project.
“We are now going to visit the site to appreciate the areas identified for the project. With Governor Orengo’s support, this will be the first step in securing social acceptance of the project,” he said.
He said the initial phase will involve site characterisation studies to confirm whether the identified locations are suitable for the power plant.
“This involves extensive scientific studies and the deployment of specialised equipment. We want to ensure the community understands the activities that will be taking place,” Wario said.
He added that KenGen teams will coordinate closely with the governor’s office to keep local leadership informed.
Currently, KenGen generates about 1,800 megawatts of electricity. The proposed nuclear plant is expected to add about 2,000 megawatts, effectively doubling the company’s installed capacity.
NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabu said the project will create significant employment opportunities.
He said about 10,000 local youths are expected to be employed during the seven-year construction phase, while about 1,500 permanent jobs will be created during operations.
“The project will have a huge impact on the county’s economy through employment and associated economic activities,” Wabuyabu said.
He added that several educational institutions will be involved in training the workforce required for the project.
These include Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and Kisumu National Polytechnic.
Siaya Governor James Orengo welcomed the project, saying it could transform the county’s economy.
“This project will be a major milestone for Siaya. If the late Raila Odinga were alive today, he would have supported it because he believed the future of energy lies in nuclear power,” Orengo said.
The governor assured residents who may have concerns about the project that their issues would be addressed through public engagement.
“Nuclear power is considered cheap, safe and stable. If Siaya gets cheaper electricity compared to other parts of the country, it will attract industries and businesses,” he said.
He added that the project could open up new economic opportunities for the region by attracting investment and creating jobs.
He further said the county government will work closely with the national government and project implementers to ensure local residents benefit through employment opportunities, improved infrastructure and increased business activities around the project area.
