ODM leader Raila Odinga , attended a high-level stakeholders’ forum at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), as Siaya County strengthens its bid to host Kenya’s first nuclear power plant. The meeting, themed “Partnering for a Sustainable Energy Future: Kenya’s Nuclear Power”, brought together senior government officials, technical experts, lawmakers, and local community representatives.
Key figures present included Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. The forum is part of a broader national strategy to expand the country’s energy capacity and support long-term industrial growth.
“This project will not only revolutionise our energy landscape but also serve as a legacy for President William Ruto,” CS Wandayi said. He affirmed the government’s commitment to boosting electricity generation to power manufacturing, innovation, and economic expansion.
Kenya has earmarked Siaya, Kwale, and Kilifi as potential sites for the nuclear facility. However, stiff resistance from residents in Kilifi has prompted a shift in focus towards Nyanza, where local leaders have shown greater willingness to support the initiative.
The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) is expected to deliver a detailed technical presentation at the forum, while community members have been encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns about the project.
Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, stated that the planned investment ranges between Sh305 billion and Sh500 billion over a seven-year period. He emphasized that the project will be executed through public-private partnerships.
“Identifying an optimal site near Lake Victoria is a key priority,” Wabuyabo said, noting that access to a large water body is critical for cooling nuclear reactors.
Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the United States and China and is awaiting a similar deal with South Korea to bolster technical capacity for the nuclear project.
If successful, Siaya could become the site of one of Kenya’s most transformative infrastructure projects, redefining the country’s energy future.
