Kenya pushes ahead with Siaya nuclear project amid community pushback
By Kepher Otieno, December 22, 2025Kenya’s ambitious nuclear power plans are drawing both support and scrutiny as the country moves to diversify its energy mix.
The planned Siaya nuclear power plant, which is projected to contribute 10 per cent of global nuclear generation capacity, has sparked debate among local communities, energy experts, and policymakers.
According to Larry Gumbe, Chair of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the project is good for defending it and stressing Kenya’s preparedness to adopt nuclear energy safely.
“Nuclear power is one of the most reliable sources of energy worldwide. With over 500 reactors operating safely across the globe, it is time Kenya leverages this proven technology,” he said.
Gumbe emphasised that Kenya has a longstanding nuclear energy framework dating back to 1965 and has developed its strategy in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
According to Gumbe, the Siaya project will not only boost national energy security but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
“This is about securing Kenya’s future energy needs, creating skilled employment, and ensuring economic development. The fears around nuclear are largely based on misinformation rather than facts,” he stated.
Despite these assurances, opposition has been vocal.
Yesterday, the Luo Council of Elders, led by Deputy Ker Joseph Ayaga, formally rejected the project.
The elders insist that wider public participation and consultation forums must be conducted before granting approval.
Their position reflects growing community concerns over environmental safety, potential health impacts, and the long-term management of nuclear waste.
In response, the elders tasked Eng. Philip Okundi with conducting a fact-finding mission into the fears expressed by the local population. Okundi’s team has been given a 60-day mandate to engage with communities, assess environmental and safety considerations, and provide a comprehensive report that can guide the elders’ final decision.
Gumbe, while acknowledging the concerns, urged communities to consider the broader national benefits.
“Our engagement with the public is continuous. We are not imposing this project on anyone; rather, we aim to ensure informed decisions are made based on evidence,” he said.
NuPEA has reportedly begun stakeholder outreach programmes, including media campaigns and community workshops, to demystify nuclear energy and address misconceptions.
Energy analysts note that Kenya’s nuclear ambitions are part of a larger strategy to diversify the national power grid, which currently relies heavily on hydropower and geothermal energy.
Nuclear ambitions
Experts argue that nuclear energy, with its ability to provide stable base-load power, is essential for sustaining economic growth as the country industrialises.
However, the project’s social licence to operate remains uncertain. With the Luo Council of Elders insisting on robust public consultation, the government faces a delicate balance: advancing a transformative infrastructure project while ensuring meaningful community engagement.
The outcome of Eng. Okundi’s fact-finding mission will likely shape both local sentiment and national policy direction.
Gumbe remains optimistic. “We are committed to transparency and safety. Kenya can achieve energy independence while ensuring our communities are protected. Nuclear energy is not the future—it is the present, and Kenya must not be left behind,” he said.
As the clock ticks on Okundi’s 60-day review, stakeholders across the political, business, and civil society spectrum will be watching closely.
The Siaya nuclear project represents a critical juncture in Kenya’s energy sector, testing not only technical readiness but also the government’s capacity to navigate community consent, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity in a high-stakes venture.