SIAYA, Kenya — Siaya County has emerged as the proposed site for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in a Sh500 billion project that could transform the country’s energy landscape and accelerate industrialisation.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the project, spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) in collaboration with the government, positions Kenya among African nations advancing nuclear energy programmes.
The proposed facility is expected to generate between 3,000 MW and 6,000 MW of electricity—potentially doubling Kenya’s current power supply and easing pressure caused by rising fuel costs and energy demand.
“This initiative aligns Kenya with countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda, which are already advancing their nuclear energy capabilities,” Orengo said.
He added that a long-term partnership framework—spanning up to 100 years—has been established to guide the project’s development, with a strong emphasis on safety, transparency, and international best practices.
A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is expected to be conducted in line with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, aimed at addressing environmental concerns and public safety issues associated with nuclear energy.
Energy experts note that nuclear power offers a stable, low-carbon baseload energy source that could significantly reduce Kenya’s reliance on fossil fuels and hydropower, both of which are vulnerable to global price shocks and climate variability.
However, the proposal is likely to trigger public debate, particularly around safety, waste management, and long-term environmental implications. Orengo acknowledged these concerns, urging authorities to prioritise public participation and transparent communication.
“I urge NuPEA and Kenya Electricity Generating Company to implement an elaborate public participation and communication strategy to sensitise the public on the long-term benefits of the project,” he said.
The project is also expected to have significant economic implications for the region, with projections of more than 10,000 jobs during its development and operational phases.
Officials say advancements in nuclear technology, including the reprocessing of radioactive materials, will be deployed to manage waste safely, although such measures remain subject to regulatory approvals and international oversight.
The announcement was made during a three-day induction workshop where NuPEA and KenGen briefed Siaya County leadership, including members of the county assembly and executive, on the scope and potential impact of the project.
Kenya has long explored nuclear energy as part of its long-term power generation strategy under Vision 2030, but the project has faced delays due to regulatory, financial, and public acceptance challenges.
