Siaya County Embraces Nuclear Power Prospects

Siaya County Governor James Orengo has publicly advocated for the establishment of a nuclear power plant in the devolved unit, asserting that it will be a catalyst for job creation and provide cheaper electricity to foster industrialisation. Speaking on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Governor Orengo indicated that the county government plans to collaborate with local higher learning institutions, such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), to equip residents with the necessary skills for the nuclear energy sector.

The proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya marks a significant shift in Kenya's energy strategy, following earlier community opposition that stalled plans in Kilifi County. Lwanda Kotieno in Rarieda sub-county has been identified as a leading candidate site, a decision that emerged from a high-level stakeholder forum in Bondo, Siaya County, where local leaders endorsed the project.

Historical Context and Policy Framework

Kenya's journey towards nuclear energy began in 2010 with the aim of diversifying its energy sources and supporting the Vision 2030 development agenda. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), formerly the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB), is the state agency spearheading the country's nuclear power programme.

The country is currently in Phase 2 of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) milestones approach for new nuclear power programmes, having made progress in feasibility studies, legal frameworks, and human capital development. Kenya enacted a national nuclear law in 2019 and established a regulatory body with responsibilities for safety, security, and safeguards.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Least Cost Power Development Plan (LCPDP) and the Energy Bill 2016 recognise the inclusion of nuclear energy in Kenya's energy mix. NuPEA's strategic plan for 2023-2027 outlines a comprehensive strategy for establishing the necessary infrastructure for nuclear facilities, with a strong emphasis on safety and security. The government aims to achieve 100% clean energy by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050, with an estimated USD 600 billion of investments required for the energy transition.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Governor Orengo's statements underscore the county's commitment to the project, envisioning a faculty at JOOUST to train individuals with the necessary skills for the plant. This initiative aligns with NuPEA's efforts to collaborate with local universities to train nuclear scientists and increase the number of experts in the field. Already, 66 nuclear scientists have been trained in collaboration with the University of Nairobi, with negotiations underway with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and five Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) institutions.

While Siaya leaders have shown receptiveness, concerns persist regarding safety, radioactive waste disposal, and long-term financial sustainability. Environmental groups like Greenpeace Africa have warned against potential damage to coastal environments and highlighted the lack of clear policies for managing nuclear waste, advocating instead for full investment in renewable energy sources.

Evidence and Data

• Projected Cost: The proposed 1,000 MW nuclear plant is estimated to cost between KSh 500-600 billion (US$5-6 billion).
• Timeline: Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with operations expected to commence by 2034.
• Job Creation: NuPEA estimates the construction phase will create 10,000 direct jobs. The nuclear industry offers long-term employment opportunities across various disciplines, including engineers, technicians, environmentalists, and skilled craftspeople.
• Energy Mix: As of 2023, approximately 90% of Kenya's electricity was generated from renewable sources, primarily geothermal (around 50%), hydro, wind, and solar.
• Capacity: The initial plant is expected to add 1,000 megawatts (MW) to the national grid. Kenya aims to have an installed capacity of 4 GW of nuclear energy by 2030, generating about 19% of its energy needs.

Risks and Implications

The substantial investment required for a nuclear power plant, estimated at KSh 500-600 billion, raises concerns about potential cost and time overruns, as experienced in other mega-projects in Kenya. There are also inherent risks associated with nuclear technology, including safety concerns, the disposal of radioactive waste, and the long-term financial commitment for maintenance.

While nuclear power offers a stable and reliable source of electricity, the complexity of design and operation necessitates a highly skilled workforce and robust regulatory oversight. The reliance on foreign technology and expertise for critical aspects of the energy infrastructure, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) needing to be returned to manufacturing facilities for refueling, could lead to dependency on vendor countries.

Unknowns and Controversies

Despite the government's ambitious timeline, the realism of commencing construction by 2027 and commissioning by 2034 remains questionable, given that detailed plans are yet to be completed and a contractor for the project has not been selected. The exact site within Siaya County is still under study, with several potential points around Lake Victoria being considered.

Public education and engagement are crucial to address fears surrounding radiation and accidents, which were significant factors in the opposition faced in Kilifi. The long-term management of nuclear waste also remains a key concern, with NuPEA stating that waste would be stored for 100 years before being collected and placed in underground depositories by international suppliers.

Timeline and Next Steps

The government plans to hold extensive consultations with stakeholders in Siaya County, including Governor Orengo, Senator Oburu Oginga, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, and the local community. These discussions were scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2025.

What to Watch

The coming months will be critical for the Siaya nuclear power plant project, with key developments to watch including:

• The finalisation of the specific site within Siaya County for the plant.
• Progress in securing a contractor and financing for the multi-billion-shilling project.
• The effectiveness of public engagement efforts in addressing community concerns and building trust.
• The development of specialised training programmes at JOOUST and other institutions to build a local skilled workforce.