Siaya tapped for first nuclear power plant

Siaya county is poised to make history as the potential host of Kenya’s first nuclear power plant, whichgovernment says will be a game changer to serve expanding industry and relieve the national energyshortage.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said the Ministry of Energy ismaking ambitious plans to expand electricity generation capacity to meet the needs of acceleratingindustrialisation.

“As a fast-growing economy, the demand for electricity will continue to surge,” he said.

In response, Wandayi said, the government is taking proactive measures to expand its energy portfolio.

“For the first time in our history, we are making serious strides toward establishing a nuclear powerplant to ensure reliable electricity supply for our industries, businesses and households,” he said.

Wandayi revealed the landmark project is planned for Siaya county, and a comprehensivestakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for June 26. It will bring together top county leadership,including Governor James Orengo, MPs, MCAs, the Woman Representative, and key figures fromall relevant sectors.

“This project will not only revolutionise our energy landscape but also serve as a legacy for PresidentWilliam Ruto,” Wandayi said.

“We are looking at an estimated investment of Sh305 billion and Sh500 billion spread across sevenyears,” Prof Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, said.

 “We aim to deliver this project through public-private partnerships.”

Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the United States andChina, and is awaiting another with South Korea, to support aspects of the nuclear project.

Wabuyabo said the Siaya meeting on June 26 would aim to identify the most suitable locations near LakeVictoria, as a large water body will be needed to cool the nuclear reactors.

Kenya identified Kwale, Kilifi, and Siaya potential sites for the facility.

Resistance by Kilifi residents and others, however, forced the government to prioritise broaderstakeholder engagement in Nyanza.

“There are several points around Lake Victoria that have been earmarked for further scientific andenvironmental studies,” Wabuyabo said.

“We aim to determine the safest and most viable site to host thistransformative project.”

The CEO said Kenya plans to break ground in 2027 for the plant expected to be commissioned in 2032.

During the construction phase alone, more than 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, offering a majoreconomic boost to the Nyanza and Western regions.

The government will also engage Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technologyas a training hub for the plant’s workforce. Academic partnerships are standard practice incountries with nuclear facilities, ensuring local capacity building and safety.

Stakeholder engagement will be ongoing, Wabuyabo emphasised.

If land is required for the project, the government will carry out transparent discussions on compensation,the CEO said.

“The nuclear plant will bring clean, affordable and stable electricity,” he said.

“It will help reduceblackouts and lower power costs for Kenyans,” he said.

“We are looking at an estimated investment of Sh305 billion and Sh500 billion spread across sevenyears,” Wabuyabo said.

Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the US andChina, and is awaiting another with South Korea, to support aspects of the nuclear project.

“As we move forward, we are committed to safety, community engagement, and national dialogue,”Wabuyabo said.

 “The well-being of our people remains our top priority.”

If successful, Siaya could become Kenya’s cradle of nuclear energy, a development redefining thecountry’s energy future.