The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has commenced the process of identifying the site for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement with the Siaya County administration team at Jaramogi University in Bondo, NuPEA Director of Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Development, Eng. Erick Ohaga, said the exercise marks the beginning of a nine-year journey that will see Kenya switch on its first nuclear plant in 2034.
Eng. Ohaga revealed that eight locations have been earmarked in Siaya: Ugambe, Sirongo, Liunda, Manywanda, Osindo, Nyangoye, Kanyawayaga and Dagamoyo.
Over the next two weeks, NuPEA teams will collect seismological, population, electrical grid, infrastructure, meteorological, and hydrological data. The information will guide the ranking of the sites to narrow them down to two, the most preferred and an alternative, by the end of October.
“These two sites will undergo further engineering studies for two years, alongside environmental impact assessments to determine the project’s sensitivity to marine life,” Ohaga said. He added that construction will begin once feasibility studies are complete and the final site selected.
The planned nuclear power plant, to be built at a cost of Sh500 billion, is expected to generate 20,000 MW of electricity for the national grid by 2040.
Acting Siaya County Commissioner, Robert Ngetich, who graced the occasion, hailed the project as the safest energy source. “According to global statistics, only three accidents have ever occurred in nuclear power plants compared to several reported in other energy sources, making nuclear power the safest,” he said.
Ngetich noted that Kenya had narrowed down potential nuclear sites to Siaya, Kwale, and Kilifi, with Siaya ranking highest due to its geological stability. He urged residents to embrace the project, which aligns with International Atomic Energy Agency safety regulations and promises significant economic benefits for the region and the country.
“This project not only guarantees reliable and clean energy but will also create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen Kenya’s energy security,” Ngetich emphasized.
With Siaya emerging as the frontrunner in Kenya’s nuclear ambitions, the county is poised to play a historic role in powering the nation’s future.
By Brian Ondeng
