SIAYA, Kenya – In 1951, EBR-1 made history by becoming the first plant to generate electricity from atomic energy. It powered four 200-watt lightbulbs at a testing site in Idaho, now known as the Idaho National Laboratory.
The next day, it generated enough electricity to light the entire facility, setting the stage for the nuclear power industry. The Experimental Breeder Reactor-1 was designed, built, and operated by Argonne National Laboratory. It operated for 12 years and successfully demonstrated it could create more fuel than it consumed.
Lyndon Johnson, the 36th U.S. president, later declared EBR-1 a National Historic Landmark. It’s now a museum at Idaho National Laboratory with free guided tours.
Decades later, back home in Kenya, large swathes of the country continue to remain dark at night as the world lights up, serving as a sobering reminder of the nation’s unreliable access to electricity.
One of the essential components for driving the East African nation’s development is this access, which powers homes, companies, schools, and hospitals to realise their full potential.
For millions of Kenyans, the lack of reasonably priced and consistent access to electricity affects more than just lighting a room; it also affects their ability to access economic development, education, and a higher standard of living.
In light of this, Kenya intends to invest KSh 80 million in the fiscal year that begins in July to continue searching for the precise location of the planned nuclear power plant in Siaya County, as the government reduces the number of possible sites within the county.
Nuclear reactors are a low-carbon climate solution since they produce electricity without emitting carbon dioxide or other air pollutants like sulphur dioxide. Zero greenhouse gas emissions, which means that running reactors doesn’t burn fossil fuels or release carbon dioxide, has a positive impact on the environment and helps fight climate change by lowering total air pollution. Compared to solar farms, wind farms, or hydroelectric dams, nuclear reactors require significantly less land per megawatt of electricity produced, which helps protect nearby natural habitats.
However, environmentalists and residents argue that it is ‘ill-advised’ for the nuclear power plant to be established on the shores of Lake Victoria – the largest tropical freshwater lake on earth, shared by six nations, the lifeblood of 40 million people.
“Kenya’s own scientists said no. Politics overruled them. What will it take for them to listen? Nuclear waste does not stay where it is put. It seeps. It lingers. It outlives the promises made when the contracts were signed,” says Sherie Gakii, the communications manager at Greenpeace Africa.
The detrimental consequences of nuclear plants on the environment include: Thermal pollution, which occurs when plants take huge amounts of water from surrounding rivers, lakes, or seas for cooling and then release warmer water back out, which can damage local aquatic species and lower dissolved oxygen levels. The mining and refining of uranium ore, as well as the construction of the plant’s heavy concrete and metal infrastructure, are energy-intensive processes that have an indirect impact on the environment. Catastrophic radiation releases that contaminate surrounding land, water, and wildlife could result from severe natural disasters or system failures that cause core meltdowns.
The funding for “Nuclear Power Plant Sitting” is part of larger preparations to get ready to build the nation’s first nuclear reactor, according to budget projections presented in the National Assembly.
Kenya plans to construct a 1,000–3,000 megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya County starting in March 2027 at an estimated cost of $5 billion (KSh 646 billion). The county was selected in part because it is close to Lake Victoria, as the facility would need a lot of water for cooling operations.
The funding will enable screening and technical evaluation of possible sites found inside Siaya. According to the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), it has found potential sites for the proposed facility and finished the first round of regional investigation.
How is NuPEA implementing the project
NuPEA, the agency tasked with implementing the country’s nuclear programme, is conducting further screening exercises on the shortlisted areas, which it has not disclosed, to determine which sites meet safety, environmental and engineering requirements.
“The best candidate sites will then be subjected to weighted analysis, and the best two will be designated as the Proposed Site and Alternate Site,” NuPEA states in documents.
Justus Walubayo, the agency’s CEO, said site-specific feasibility studies and additional technical assessments will follow once the preferred location is identified.
“Detailed engineering and scientific studies on the specific site will have to be carried out to confirm the suitability of the selected site,” Walubayo said in a media interview.
But before NuPEA engineers and other specialists fully hit the ground running, hundreds of residents in Sakwa Central, Bondo sub-county, have publicly opposed the government’s intentions to build Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in the area, sparking protests this week.
During a public participation forum, the irate residents held banners that read “We Reject” and chanted slogans.
“We are opposing the establishment of the proposed nuclear plant in our Lenya village because we can’t allow ourselves to be displaced to pave the way for its implementation,” said Daniel Onaga, a youth leader, Central Sakwa. We also want to tell the government, together with our elected leaders, to intervene in this matter so that they can join us in opposing this project.”
On her part, Goretti Ogombe, a resident of Lenya village representing women, maintained that the locals were opposed to the project because they are afraid that they are likely to be forced to leave their ancestral homes and relocate elsewhere.
“We have a lot of economic activities that we are undertaking here, like fishing and mining. Even though they claim that the nuclear energy project will create about 700 jobs, the mining sector has created job opportunities for thousands of residents,” she explained.
NuPEA is set to establish the nuclear power plant in partnership with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOST). This nuclear plant is expected to provide an adequate, affordable and reliable supply of energy to Kenyans.
Leaders laud the proposed Siaya nuclear power plant
In addition, it is projected that as of 2037, nuclear energy will contribute a total of 6.638 megawatts to the national grid. However, leaders from the region have lauded the project and called upon NuPEA to conduct thorough civic and public participation before kickstarting it officially to avoid misconceptions surrounding its initial plans to erect it in Kilifi County, which faced widespread rejection from locals.
“Negatives travel much faster. Information about nuclear energy – there is a lot of it that is good, but that which is good is not known. Unfortunately, there are so many negatives about it. So, I want to believe that it is wise we start going out to the communities, not with the issue of its advantages, but just understanding what it is and how it works for our people to understand,” Gideon Ochanda, MP for Bondo, advised.
President William Ruto indicated that a lot of research is going on on the development of the first nuclear plant.
“With abundant energy, we shall power factories, light every home and drive Kenya to become the industrial hub of East Africa and the rest of the continent,” said the head of state.
However, the residents of Sakwa Central, like Humphrey Opondo Suwo, insist that the proposed nuclear energy plant project will not see the light of day.
“This idea of a nuclear power plant being established here is something that nobody has consulted us about at all. We only hear about it from different social media platforms; Lenya has been identified as a place for the establishment of a nuclear plant. So, we wonder who gave them the unanimous right to bring the nuclear power plant here,” said Opondo.
According to Opondo, the 2010 Kenyan Constitution demands that things be done in public.
“At no given time have we demanded a nuclear plant here in Lenya, so we wonder who this person is who has put us in this program as the right place for it. The residents of Lenya have decided unanimously that they don’t want to hear anything to do with the nuclear power plant, and at no time shall we accept it. We are not ready to be displaced because we want to preserve and conserve our traditions as they were before; we want to maintain our economic setup as it was before, and as such, we have resolved that there is no nuclear here,” Opondo further explained.
Sceptic Siaya residents maintain a firm stand
Opondo drew a comparison between the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the proposed project.
“As we are talking now, the U.S. is fighting Iran because of nuclear weapons. They want nuclear power to be a nuclear-free zone. Why must somebody bring nuclear material to Lenya? It means we are the downtrodden group that we can’t accept. We have to stand right and straight,” he explained.
James Aketch Aketch, chairman of the Central Sakwa Association, said:
“We have unanimously decided that we don’t want anything to do with nuclear because when the NuPEA officials came here, I was there, and depending on what they told us, it is the reason why we are opposed to the plant. First, they told us that we shall be evicted from our homes and be resettled elsewhere since they are going to hive off over 8 km² of land where they have established the plant.”
“They also said that if there is a country that wants to go to war with Kenya, they will just focus on where the nuclear plant is located and target it. Because of that, we have said no to that plan. As residents of Central Sakwa, we can’t allow the establishment of that project that will put millions of Kenyans at risk.”
But in a quick rejoinder, Wabuyabo, the CEO of NuPEA, said the state agency had heard and respected the voices of the residents of Siaya.
“Public participation is not a mere procedural formality. It is a constitutional right and a technical necessity for a successful national nuclear program. We wish to assure the public that the stakeholders’ engagement process is firmly ongoing,” said Wabuyabo.
In a statement, Wabuyabo revealed that the agency is moving from high-level grassroots institutional planning into deep, village-level grassroots sensitisation.
“No infrastructure will be built without the broad, informed consent of the community. We are fully committed to executing a robust, transparent, and multi-layered educational campaign to address all anxieties regarding safety, livelihoods and land,” added the NuPEA CEO.
Wabuyabo’s sentiments mirror those of Siaya Governor James Orengo, who observed that there is a lot of misinformation about what nuclear power plants are all about.
“What is clear is that nuclear power plants are safe and nuclear energy is safe, and it is not just in the power generation space but also in technology, science, and even nuclear medicine. So, I am proud to say that Siaya is taking the leadership with the support of the national government in bringing this dream to reality,” said the county boss.
Governor Orengo supports the Siaya project
Taking the risk in relation to the fears and the legacy, the governor stated that, looking at the bigger picture, where nuclear power is the source of energy all over the world, it is a risk he can take.
“Modern nuclear plants that have been constructed all over the world are very safe,” Governor Orengo said.
In May 2025, Kilifi residents and local leaders successfully blocked the proposed KSh 500 billion nuclear power plant in Uyombo, forcing the Kenyan government to officially relocate the project to Siaya County.
Led by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and regional legislators, the community fiercely resisted the 1,000 MW project. This collective pushback ultimately compelled Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and NuPEA to withdraw from the coastal region.
The immense pushback stemmed from concerns such as environmental threats, livelihood disruption, lack of consultation, safety and waste.
Back in Siaya, Francis Agar, a board member of NuPEA, clarified that the agency had settled on Siaya due to favourable climate conditions, economic viability, and political support, which he observed had been notably stronger in Siaya compared to Kilifi.
Agar highlighted the limitations of traditional renewable energy sources like solar and wind, emphasising their intermittent nature and reliance on costly storage solutions.
He pointed out that the Energy Act of 2019 categorises biomass as renewable, which he finds peculiar.
“The importance of ongoing engagement with the local community regarding the nuclear project is that the messaging is tailored to educate the community on the benefits of nuclear energy, aiming to alleviate fears related to radiation, which are largely unfounded,” Agar explained.
While addressing radiation concerns, Agar noted that radiation is a natural part of the environment, and he seeks to dispel the myth of “radiophobia” among the public.
“Kenya’s per capita electricity consumption is low at 190 kilowatts per year, which is below that of countries experiencing conflict. There is an acute energy shortage in Kenya, and the addition of nuclear energy is part of a broader strategy to address this issue without dismissing other energy sources,” Agar further said.
Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa
Kenya also stepped up its efforts to promote nuclear energy this week after NuPEA led several high-level diplomatic meetings at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali, Rwanda.
African leaders, legislators, bankers, regulators, and international technology companies gathered for the four-day conference, which took place from May 18 to 21, 2026, to examine how the continent can transform its aspirations for nuclear energy into workable and financially viable projects.
The summit, themed “Powering Africa’s Future: Turning Nuclear Energy Ambition into Investable Reality”, was officially opened by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and attended by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé.
“Last year, the World Bank decided to end the ban on financing nuclear power projects. At COP28, governments called on international financing institutions to include nuclear energy in their portfolios. Now is the time to work together to make this shift urgently in Africa,” President Kagame said.
The Summit brought together, among others, President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé (Togo), Ali Mahamane Zeine, Prime Minister of Niger and Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Through its technical cooperation programme, the IAEA helps countries build the scientific expertise and technical capacity needed to apply nuclear science to real-world challenges.
During the event, President Kagame announced that Rwanda has completed the IAEA’s Phase 1 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review while indicating that Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation require reliable, large-scale energy systems.
NuPEA said the milestone sets a powerful benchmark for Africa, proving that reliable, clean nuclear energy is the foundation for modern manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and industrial growth.
“We intend to have nuclear energy operational by the early 2030s, and this assessment confirms that we are on track. For Africa, energy is not simply a development issue. It is the foundation of industrial growth and competitiveness,” explained President Kagame.
How Rwanda capitalised on the NEISA 2026
The Rwandan leader observed that modern manufacturing, mineral processing, digital infrastructure, and advanced healthcare all depend on reliable power.
“But our economies cannot run efficiently on intermittent supply alone. At the centre of this endeavour is the question of investment. Too often, investors hesitate because they perceive many risks in Africa. We must work to strengthen regulation, ensure consistency and accountability, and build confidence and attract long-term capital,” he added.
Rwanda used the occasion to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the energy sector with Tanzania.
In the midst of this, President Ruto encouraged the residents of Siaya to seek a deeper understanding of the immense economic benefits that the nuclear power project will bring, highlighting high-value jobs in infrastructure development.
“During the peak construction phase, the nuclear project will generate up to 10,000 jobs, ranging from high-skilled, highly specialised roles to roads across the board to all other available engagements,” explained the president.
Once operational, the head of state reiterated that the project will provide hundreds of permanent, well-paying technical positions; local technical and vocational education and training institutions will see increased investments to equip residents with the skills needed to take up all the opportunities that will be available.
“In addition, to support a facility of this magnitude, the government and developers will undertake significant upgrades to local infrastructure, including roads and other facilities. This will also include improved water supply systems, modern healthcare systems, new schools, community centers and enhanced telecommunication,” President Ruto further said.
Additionally, President Ruto indicated that with thousands of workers working in the area, the project will stimulate the local economy by increasing demand for housing, hospitality, retail and agricultural products while enabling local enterprises to grow on a large scale.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi maintains that Kenya remains steadfastly committed to implementing its nuclear power program while adhering to its highest possible international standards.
“As a government, we have elaborate plans to increase our electricity generation capacity to ensure we have adequate electricity and energy to supply the projected increase in demand as a country which is fast industrialising. The electricity demand is going to continue to rise. So, as a government, we have undertaken proactive measures to enhance our energy generation capacity,” said Wandayi.
Renewable energy takes centre stage at AFS
Apart from traditional sources of energy, the CS emphasised that Kenya is serious about establishing a nuclear power plant that is going to supply electricity to power its industries, businesses and homesteads.
“The good news is that the nuclear plant is going to be established here in Siaya County. We are holding a stakeholder meeting involving all leaders of Siaya County, beginning with the governor, MPs, MCAs and all leaders of all sectors, to agree on the modalities of the establishment of this very iconic project that will remain as a legacy for President Ruto,” CS Wandayi added.
During the just-concluded Africa Forward Summit (AFS), a significant milestone for Kenya’s energy future took place after CS Wandayi officially signed a landmark MoU with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, to integrate nuclear energy into our national grid.
While reacting to the move, Caleb Kundu, a biochemist at NuPEA, said:
“As nuclear energy integration progresses, Kenya will benefit from stable baseload capacity, reduced carbon emissions, enhanced research capability, and long-term resilience across industrial, medical, and scientific infrastructure systems and the national development agenda.”
President Ruto disclosed that the MoU will enable Kenya to tap into French technology in renewable energy and nuclear energy.
“Knowing that France, since the Second World War, has gotten 75% of its energy from nuclear energy, these are clear interventions; we have run our public participation program, we are ready for renewable energy, and already I have communicated to the people of Kenya that we need an extra 10,000 megawatts,” said the president.
Inside budgetary allocations for the Siaya nuclear power plant
President Ruto expressed joy that French technology is the ‘best technology’ for Kenya, as it shall be tapping into it.
“We are going to build the first nuclear plant in Kenya. We have already undertaken the necessary steps. We had options if we should use Korea, Russia, or Canada, but I think the best technology so far that has been presented to us is the French technology, and we are happy to work on it together,” added President Ruto.
It is, however, now emerging that the KSh 80 million allocation for 2026/2027 towards the nuclear power plant station is lower than the KSh 104 million approved in the current 2025/2026 financial year. Projected spending is expected to rise more than five times to KSh 493 million in 2027/2028 before climbing further to KSh 2.88 billion in 2028/2029.
The rising future allocations signal more intensive studies, feasibility assessments and possible land acquisition activities as the project advances.
The National Treasury’s documents show the government is targeting 55% acquisition of the nuclear plant site by June 2027. Upon completion, Kenya will join the likes of South Africa, whose Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is the largest—and currently the only operational—commercial nuclear power plant in Africa.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is located on the Atlantic coast at Duynefontein, roughly 30 km north of Cape Town, and has a capacity of 1,860 MW of reliable baseload power, generated across two Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs).
While drawing lessons from South Africa, Agar further insisted that NuPEA is actively engaging with communities within a 2-kilometre radius of potential sites in Siaya, referred to as the emergency planning zone.
“The discussions aim to inform residents about safety measures and emergency response plans in case of an accident. The messaging is consistent across different audiences, without specific customisation for local communities,” stated Agar.
But Greenpeace Africa, alongside other partners, insists that they are not letting this conversation happen behind closed doors. In this regard, the group has organised a Greenpeace Africa webinar titled Kenya’s Nuclear Gamble: Power, Risk, and the Future of Energy Justice, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6pm.
Panellists will include Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist, Greenpeace Africa; Amos Wamenya, Senior Advisor, Renewable Energy and Just Transition at Power Shift Africa; and Andrean Ndebu from the Kenya Young Generation in Nuclear.
Other panellists in the webinar, to be moderated by Sherie Gakii, are Gwendolyn Hallsmith, the Executive Director at the Global Community Initiatives; Francesca De Gasparis, the Executive Director at the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI); Peter Gichuki, the Program Coordinator at We Planet Africa; and Dickens Ochieng’, a Community Representative at the Linda Beach, Siaya County.
“Join us, register for our webinar today, where we’ll examine how nuclear projects like this one threaten the communities that call this region home. Ask the communities beside uranium mines in Niger and the DRC who were never consulted and are still living with the damage. Ask the families near Chornobyl and Fukushima who were told it was safe,” Gakii further says.
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