Kenya’s plans for its first nuclear power plant have found new footing in Siaya County after fierce community opposition derailed earlier efforts in Kilifi.

In October last year, residents in Kilifi staged large-scale protests opposing the proposed nuclear plant, citing risks to public health, the environment, and local livelihoods. The area’s economy, heavily reliant on ecotourism and fishing, was seen as particularly vulnerable to the perceived threats of radiation exposure, water contamination, and habitat disruption.

Demonstrators raised alarms over the future of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Watamu Marine Park, arguing that nuclear development would irreversibly harm the coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, activists questioned the criteria used to identify Kilifi as a suitable site and criticized the limited public access to technical documents and environmental assessments.

The mounting resistance eventually stalled momentum in the region and forced the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) to reevaluate its strategy, leading to a relocation of stakeholder engagement efforts inland to Siaya County.

The nuclear plant is slated for development in 2027 and commissioning by 2034. The project is currently in Phase 2 of the IAEA’s milestones framework, with progress reported in feasibility studies, legal frameworks, and human capital development.

The proximity to Lake Victoria will offer logistical benefits for reactor cooling, while the involvement of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University is set to add academic and technical depth.

While the pivot to Siaya county has reignited momentum, the project still faces scrutiny over safety, disposal of radioactive waste, and long-term financial sustainability.