Siaya leaders have declared their support for the proposed establishment of Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in the region. The leaders termed it a transformative project with vast potential – if implemented with transparency, safety and public inclusion.
During a stakeholder engagement meeting at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, the leaders acknowledged the project’s strategic significance in advancing clean energy and economic growth.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that the government is targeting 2034 to commission the nuclear plant, which aligns with national development blueprints including Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“This stakeholder meeting is a cornerstone of our ministry’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and inclusive development,” Wandayi said.
The programme is currently in Phase 2 of the International Atomic Energy Agency Milestones Approach.
Significant progress has been made in areas such as feasibility studies, legal frameworks and human resource development.
One of the candidate sites for the plant, Lwanda Kotieno in Rarieda constituency, has already undergone early evaluation.
Wandayi said beyond powering the national grid, the project is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost local infrastructure, attract investments and equip young people with advanced technical skills.
“We’re committed to ensuring that the benefits of this programme are maximised for the local community,” he assured.
Senator Oburu Oginga, who chairs the Senate committee on Energy, termed the project a landmark in Kenya’s pursuit of clean, reliable and sustainable energy.
“This will be a breakthrough in clean energy with minimal carbon emissions,” Oburu said.
“Let’s embrace it with boldness and responsibility.”
While voicing their support, other leaders stressed the need for thorough public sensitisation, simplified technical communication and tangible benefits for the host communities.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo welcomed the decision to shortlist Lwanda Kotieno but challenged NuPEA to prioritise community benefit.
“As elected members, we fully accept. My only request to NuPEA is that the constitution says where you are exploring natural resources, there must be benefits to the community,” Amollo said.
He added, “In this county, our benefit is usually education. Give us scholarships. Let’s have nuclear scientists and engineers from here.”
County assembly speaker George Okode affirmed the administration’s commitment to being part of the process from the early stages of information-sharing to future implementation.
“We are on board at this point of information and at the implementation stage that will come later,” Okode said.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda urged that the complex technicalities surrounding nuclear power be broken down for easier understanding by the general public.
“Let us be told what this means for the ordinary mwananchi. Let’s see examples of how it has worked in other countries. Negative news travels fast; we must lead with facts and benefits,” he said.
Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka emphasised the need for consistent public outreach to dispel myths and fears surrounding nuclear energy.
“Let’s demystify this project. The public needs education. People still fear radiation and accidents. We must address that,” she said.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng supported the initiative but insisted that public trust hinges on robust safety and regulatory measures.
“There is a need to develop proper regulatory capacity and standards to ensure whatever we are going to do will remove any doubts,” Ochieng stated.
The stakeholders agreed that while the nuclear energy project represents a leap forward for Kenya’s energy sector, the journey ahead must be anchored in transparency, accountability, and active public participation.
As discussions continue, the Siaya nuclear proposal could mark the dawn of a new era not just for the county but for Kenya’s long-term energy independence if the government wins the public’s trust.
