Protests in Siaya as residents reject establishment of nuclear plant
Protests erupted in Sakwa village, Bondo sub-county, in Siaya County, as residents rejected the proposed nuclear plant.
Protests erupted in Sakwa village, Bondo sub-county, in Siaya County, as residents rejected the proposed nuclear plant.
Videos show hundreds of residents gathered, shouting as they reject the proposed plant.
The protesters carried several banners emblazoned with “We Reject,” firmly reiterating their position on the proposed firm to be built in the area.
Chaos and noise engulfed the area even as a moderator tried to calm the protesters in what seemed like a public participation forum.
“We have rejected the plan to have a nuclear plant in Siaya, we don’t want it,” one resident was captured saying.
The protests come as the Kenyan government, through the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), intensifies plans to establish the country’s first nuclear power station in the county.
The Ksh 500 billion project is to be funded through a mix of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), combining public resources with private-sector investment to reduce the burden on taxpayers while attracting global expertise.
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Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, and the county government has already signalled its goodwill and support for the plant.
The plant is expected to generate between 1,000 and 3,000 megawatts of electricity and boost Kenya’s electricity sector, which has been low despite high demand.
This rising demand has created the need for stable baseload power, which nuclear energy is expected to provide, complementing existing renewable sources that are often affected by weather and climate variability.
Despite their low fuel costs, nuclear plants still have high operational and maintenance costs and require highly equipped personnel, safety protocols, and regular inspections.
It is important to note that the facility was initially planned for Kilifi County, but residents and local leaders reportedly rejected it, prompting the government to shift it to Siaya County.
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