SIAYA, Kenya — A group of Luo elders has rejected President William Ruto’s plan to establish Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, citing health, environmental, and regional safety concerns.
Speaking at a press conference on December 21, the elders said they had unanimously agreed to oppose the proposed project following an internal consultative meeting.
“In view of the likely implications of the nuclear plant for health and environmental concerns around the entire East African region, the council resolved to reject the nuclear project in totality,” the elders said in a joint statement.
They warned that the risks associated with nuclear energy extend beyond Siaya and could affect neighbouring counties and countries within the Lake Victoria basin.
The elders also announced the formation of a special committee to further interrogate the potential consequences should the government proceed with the project.
The opposition comes months after the Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), in September, identified Siaya County as the preferred location for the country’s first nuclear power plant.
The proposed facility, estimated to cost Sh500 billion, is expected to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) in its initial phase, with long-term plans to scale up production to 20,000 MW by 2040 as part of Kenya’s energy expansion strategy.
NuPEA has earmarked several potential sites along the shores of Lake Victoria, citing the lake’s capacity to provide the large volumes of water required for reactor cooling. The identified areas include Lwanda Kotieno, Ugambe, Sirongo, Liunda, Manywanda, Osindo, Nyangoye, Kanyawayaga, and Dagamoyo.
The project has attracted mixed reactions across the political divide. The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had previously endorsed the plan, describing the nuclear plant as a “massive game-changer” that could accelerate Kenya’s development.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also been pushing for the project in the Nyanza region, framing it as critical to Kenya’s industrialisation agenda and long-term energy security.
Similarly, Siaya Governor James Orengo has reaffirmed his administration’s support for the proposal, arguing that the project would create employment opportunities and transform the county into a major economic hub.
However, the elders’ rejection adds to growing resistance against the nuclear plan. Earlier, residents of Kilifi County, which had initially been identified as a potential host, rejected the project over environmental and safety concerns.
The Siaya opposition now sets the stage for renewed debate over public participation, environmental safeguards and regional consent in the rollout of nuclear energy in Kenya.
The proposed nuclear plant is one of President Ruto’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at supporting industrial growth and positioning Kenya as a first-world economy.
Whether the project proceeds in Siaya is likely to depend on further consultations, environmental assessments and the government’s ability to address local and regional concerns.
