AaThe Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has moved to calm rising tensions in Siaya County following street protests by residents opposing the government’s proposed Sh500 billion nuclear power plant.
On Thursday, residents of Sakwa in Bondo Sub-county took to the streets to demonstrate against the multi-billion-shilling project, which is earmarked for construction near the shores of Lake Victoria.
Carrying placards and chanting anti-nuclear slogans, the locals raised serious concerns over environmental safety, public health, and what they termed a glaring lack of community consultation.
In a swift response to the unrest, NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo issued a statement assuring residents that the project would not proceed without the broad, informed consent of the local host community.
“We wish to assure the public that the stakeholder engagement process is firmly ongoing. We are moving from high-level institutional planning into deep, village-level grassroots sensitisation,” Wabuyabo stated.
Wabuyabo emphasised that the agency is fully committed to executing a robust, transparent, and multi-layered educational campaign designed to address all anxieties regarding local safety, livelihoods, and land ownership.
“As the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, we hear and respect the voices of the residents of Siaya. Public participation is not a mere procedural formality. It is a constitutional right and a technical necessity for a successful national nuclear programme,” the CEO added.
The demonstrations in Sakwa highlighted deep-seated public anxieties. Protesters expressed fears that the massive facility could permanently disrupt livelihoods dependent on Lake Victoria, particularly fishing and small-scale farming. Locals also voiced dread over potential radiation exposure, water contamination, and the long-term management of radioactive waste.
Community members accused authorities of keeping them in the dark, claiming officials had failed to conduct sufficient public participation before identifying Sakwa as a potential site.
The controversial project was initially proposed for Kilifi County. However, fierce opposition from coastal residents, environmental groups, and local leaders forced the government to shift its focus to Siaya County in Western Kenya.
According to government projections, the nuclear plant is expected to generate between 1,000 and 3,000 megawatts of electricity. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with full commissioning expected by 2034.
Despite the localized resistance, several high-profile political leaders have defended the initiative, framing it as a crucial pillar for Kenya’s industrialization under the Vision 2030 economic blueprint.
Before his passing, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had publicly backed the project, noting that nuclear energy could provide stable and sustainable electricity if implemented strictly under international safety standards.
Echoing these sentiments, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo
Wandayi maintained that Kenya is not acting unilaterally but is closely
following rigorous guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
to ensure global safety and regulatory benchmarks are met.
