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Towering coconut trees sway gently in the breeze, and lush mangrove forests roll toward pristine, windswept beaches in Uyombo village, Kilifi county.

Sprawling between the famed Watamu National Marine Park and the mysterious depths of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the village feels like a postcard of serenity, its salty ocean air and hypnotic waves tightly embracing visitors in a calming rhythm.

Yet, beneath this natural calm, a storm is brewing.

Uyombo residents are mounting fierce opposition to plans by the government to establish a Sh500 billion nuclear power plant in their backyard. The project, spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), aims to generate 1,000 MW and position Kenya as a nuclear energy hub by 2034. While the government views this as a step toward sustainable energy, locals and environmentalists paint a different picture—one marred by ecological devastation, health risks, and loss of livelihoods.

Community chairman Anthony Kingi said they are opposed to the project because a proper public participation was not conducted.
“We asked for names of people who conducted the public participation but they refused because they know what they did,” he said.
Kingi said the strong opposition is to preserve the rich ecosystem that provides livelihoods for the residents.

“This is where we get our daily bread. Tourists pay us to enjoy the different flora and fauna at the Arabuko Sokoke forest and the Watamu Marine Park,” he said.

The Marine Park has dolphins, turtles and species of fish.

“NuPEA cannot put poison in a sensitive ecosystem, which has a lot of biodiversity,” he said.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro initially welcomed the project, calling nuclear power “a clean and sustainable energy source embraced worldwide.”

 However, in a dramatic turn of events in September this year, made an about-turn and disowned the project.

“We are well aware of the history of nuclear projects and their impacts; all we ever read about is devastation,” Mung’aro declared.

“We cannot be convinced otherwise.”

Mung’aro said the project lacked transparency and there was no proper consultation, echoing sentiments of scepticism and fear.

He cited catastrophic outcomes of nuclear plants in other countries, warning that Kilifi must not face a similar fate.

For Uyombo residents, the nuclear project threatens more than just scenic landscapes—it risks their very way of life.

“Our livelihoods depend on the ocean, mangroves, and the coconut trees,” said Bashir Hai, an environmental specialist.

“This area is home to rare turtles that breed here, attracting tourists. Allowing a nuclear plant would devastate this marine ecosystem.”

Residents argue that Uyombo’s status as Kenya’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA), recognised by Unesco in 1978, should protect it from industrial encroachment. They fear irreversible damage to biodiversity, including the loss of mangrove forests vital for marine life and carbon sequestration.

Public participation

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, reiterated these concerns before the National Assembly’s Environment Committee.

 “We gave NuPEA clear conditions: Conduct public participation, provide a socio-economic impact assessment, and deliver a technical safety report. None of these conditions have been met,” he emphasised.

Baya added that the government’s failure to consult the community has fuelled mistrust. “This is not just about energy; it’s about respect for the people and the land.”

Environmentalists and legislators have joined the residents in their fight, stressing that Kenya has untapped renewable energy options like geothermal, wind, and solar.

“Why pursue nuclear energy when countries like Germany are shutting down their nuclear plants?” questioned Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who presented the community’s petition to the Senate.

“We must confront the hard question: who really benefits from this project, and who pays the price?”

Omtatah invoked Article 10 of Kenya’s Constitution, emphasising that decisions must uphold national values, including public participation and environmental protection.

“The people of Uyombo are not against progress; they are against being left out of the conversation,” he said.

Kilifi County MP Gertrude Mbeyu reaffirmed her commitment to the community’s cause. “I will fight for the rights of Uyombo residents. We will not allow their voices to be silenced.”

During a fact-finding mission in late October, the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining chaired by Charles Kamuren, directed that all nuclear project activities in Uyombo be halted pending further dialogue.

 “We cannot force a project on citizens without their consent,” Kamuren stated.

“We will bring all stakeholders to the table and find an amicable solution.”

On his part, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana  said there was a need for balanced decision-making.

While acknowledging the project’s Sh500 billion investment potential, he insisted that safety, environmental concerns, and public interest take precedence.

Mungatana said, “We made a decision as Senate committee to come and listen to the petitioners and other nuclear power plant stakeholders.”

Boniface Mwangi, representing Land and Environment Defenders Activists, urged the government to redirect funds toward improving Kilifi’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems.