Kenya's plan to establish its first-ever nuclear power plant in Siaya County received a major boost after regional leaders endorsed the landmark project, which is expected to raise the country’s electricity generation capacity by between 3000 and 6000 megawatts.
If the Sh1 trillion project, whose groundbreaking is scheduled for March 2027, proceeds as planned, it could significantly reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported power while generating enough energy to drive industrial expansion and growth.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo, Speaker George Okode, and the members of the County Assembly backed the initiative, albeit with conditions.
Governor Orengo described the proposed plant as a game-changing investment capable of reshaping Siaya’s economic future. Beyond strengthening energy security, he said the project could unlock major infrastructure development, create jobs, attract industries, and accelerate the county’s transition from a subsistence-based economy to a thriving investment hub.
“I believe that if Siaya secures a primary investor capable of lifting our largely subsistence economy, then Siaya will become a different place altogether. Concessionary electricity tariffs for host communities could attract manufacturers and investors seeking lower production costs,” said Mr Orengo.
He, however, stressed that the project’s success would depend on continuous public engagement, transparency and the full consent of host communities.
“Consultation will not be a one-off thing. It must be continuous, with public participation before, during and after implementation. We want to avoid scenarios being witnessed in Gem where the public were not well engaged in the mining of Gold and now there is chaos,” he said.
The project was initially proposed for Kilifi County but was relocated to Siaya following resistance from local communities, highlighting the critical role of public trust in major infrastructure projects.
The governor called for a clear communication strategy, asking the government officers to engage local leadership, especially the Members of the County Assembly, regarding the project because they are the ones who are on the ground.
The Siaya County Boss also sought to allay fears over environmental risks, citing his visit to a decades-old nuclear plant in Hungary, where surrounding communities continue to rely on fish from nearby water bodies.
“We must listen to science and facts instead of rumours,” he said.
At the same time, he warned that Kenya risks falling behind regional and global peers if it fails to invest in large-scale energy projects, noting that countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa are already ahead in electricity generation capacity.
Speaker Mr Okode said consultations with the people and leaders from the county should not end at the conception of the project’s stage.
“There will be a need for public participation before, during and after the project to ensure we are on the same side. As a County Assembly, we shall play our role and we will play it,” said Mr Okode.
But with 11 months remaining before the groundbreaking of the plant, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) Chairman Engineer Lawrence Gumbe assured the leaders and locals of proper and continuous engagement that will, in the long run, be a win-win situation for all.
He said the proposed plant will play a critical role in bridging the country’s electricity deficit and supporting industrial growth.
Mr Gumbe noted that Kenya currently produces about 3,000 megawatts against a projected demand of at least 60,000 megawatts needed to achieve its industrialisation targets under Vision 2030.
“The country’s per capita electricity consumption stands at about 190 kilowatt-hours—far below the 3,000 to 7,000 kilowatt-hours recorded in industrialized economies underscoring the urgency of scaling up generation. The proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya can generate up to 6,000 megawatts within a short period, more than doubling the current supply and providing stable, round-the-clock power for industries,” said Mr Gumbe.
He further assured that safety remains a top priority, noting that Kenya is aligning itself with international standards, including the ratification of key nuclear safety conventions.
“There is no risk-free development, but nuclear energy is among the safest based on global data. We must work together with all stakeholders to ensure its success,” he said.
Beyond electricity generation, he said the Siaya project will include a nuclear research reactor to support medical, agricultural and engineering applications, reducing reliance on foreign facilities for specialised services such as cancer diagnostics.
He revealed that NuPEA is already in discussions with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Kisumu National Polytechnic to develop training and research capacity in nuclear science and technology.
KenGen Managing Director Eng Peter Njenga said the utility was set to take up the owner-operator role of the plant following its appointment by the government.
He said nuclear power development requires long-term planning, strict regulatory compliance and specialised skills, adding that KenGen is investing in human resource development to build the necessary expertise.
“We are building the capacity and working closely with relevant agencies to ensure Kenya is ready to safely operate and manage nuclear energy infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Umuru Wario, KenGen board member, underscored the importance of transparency and stakeholder engagement in delivering the project.
“A nuclear power plant is not just an energy project—it is a long-term investment that requires trust, dialogue and access to accurate information,” he said.
