Siaya County Governor James Orengo has hailed Kenya’s first nuclear power plant, a game-changing project valued at over Ksh500 billion.

Taking to X on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Orengo shared his excitement about the transformative impact the facility is expected to have on the region.

“Today, we hosted NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo, Chairman Eng. Larry Gumbe and their team in Siaya to discuss Kenya’s first nuclear power plant, a game-changing project valued at over Kshs 500 billion,” Orengo said.

He underscored the wide-ranging benefits the initiative will bring. “This transformative initiative will create jobs, enhance infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and equip our youth with cutting-edge skills,” he added.

Orengo also highlighted Siaya’s readiness to host such a landmark facility.

“Siaya is ready to power Kenya’s future!” he said.

Kenya identified Kwale, Kilifi, and Siaya as potential sites for the facility.

Resistance by Kilifi residents and others, however, forced the government to prioritise broader stakeholder engagement in Nyanza.

Boosting Kenya’s energy future

The nuclear power plant is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to expand electricity generation and meet growing energy demands driven by industrialisation. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi earlier emphasised that nuclear energy is key to the country’s Vision 2030 agenda, ensuring a reliable electricity supply for homes, businesses, and industries.

According to Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, Kenya aims to deliver the project through public-private partnerships.

“We aim to determine the safest and most viable site to host this transformative project,” he said, noting that Lake Victoria will play a crucial role in cooling the reactors.

The plant is expected to create over 10,000 jobs during construction and foster local skills development. In line with this, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology will serve as a training hub for the plant’s workforce, equipping the region’s youth with advanced technical skills.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has long championed nuclear energy in Kenya, welcomed the initiative, describing it as safe, sustainable, and essential for the country’s industrialisation.

With strong local leadership, international collaboration, and careful planning, the Siaya nuclear power plant is positioned to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s energy transformation, fulfilling the vision described by Governor Orengo.