Kenya’s First Nuclear Power Plant Breaks Ground in Siaya

Kenya confirmed construction of its first nuclear power station will begin in 2027 (image source)

Kenya is taking a historic leap in its energy strategy with confirmation that Siaya County will host the country’s first nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step toward diversifying the national energy mix. The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) announced that construction at Lwanda Kotieno is expected to begin in 2027, with commissioning slated for 2034. Officials say the project will anchor Kenya’s industrialisation drive and clean energy transition for decades to come.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi hailed the project as “a cornerstone of our ministry’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and inclusive development.” He stressed that nuclear energy supports the government’s Vision 2030 blueprint and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), both of which prioritise affordable and reliable electricity as critical enablers of economic growth.

Kenya’s electricity demand is rising rapidly alongside urbanisation, population growth, and digitisation. While geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power already supply significant portions of the grid, these renewables remain vulnerable to seasonal and climatic fluctuations. Nuclear energy, by contrast, offers a steady baseload supply—a constant flow of power vital for industries and households alike.

Opportunities and Expert Perspectives

Nairobi-based nuclear consultant Francis Agar described the Siaya project as “a potential catalyst for sustainable growth,” arguing that nuclear generation protects economies from volatile global oil and coal prices. “If Kenya wants to position itself as an industrial hub in East Africa, a reliable baseload source like nuclear is indispensable,” he said.

Proponents emphasise that the plant could generate thousands of jobs, both directly in construction and operation, and indirectly through supporting industries. The development of roads, housing, and water infrastructure around Siaya could also transform the regional economy, stimulating new business opportunities.

Concerns and Challenges

Still, industry specialists caution that legal, regulatory, and safety frameworks must be fully aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. Regulatory analyst Maxwell Ngala warned: “Public trust is earned, not assumed. Without watertight laws and robust oversight institutions, scepticism will persist.”

The choice of Siaya has sparked mixed reactions. Senator Oburu Oginga hailed it as a “breakthrough in clean energy with minimal carbon emissions,” while Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo pressed for guarantees that local residents will benefit through scholarships, job opportunities, and infrastructure upgrades. He cautioned: “Development must not bypass the mwananchi who shoulders the risks.”

Kenya’s history with nuclear projects also tempers optimism. Earlier proposals for a plant in Kilifi stalled after public protests over land rights, displacement, and environmental concerns. Civil society groups have since demanded inclusive hearings and transparent communication to ensure communities fully understand both the risks and benefits.

Global Lessons and Risks

Globally, nuclear energy projects face scrutiny over waste management and decommissioning. Kenya will need to prove its capacity to safely handle spent fuel and plan for the plant’s eventual closure. Without such measures, critics warn the project could become a liability rather than an asset.

Academics and professional bodies have called for expanded nuclear training programmes in local universities to build a skilled workforce capable of managing the plant safely. This would also reduce reliance on foreign expertise in the long term.

Regional and Continental Implications

If successfully implemented, Kenya would become only the second sub-Saharan African nation after South Africa to produce nuclear power. For Nairobi, the project is as much about regional leadership in technology adoption as it is about domestic energy security. But the stakes are high. Failure to meet safety, environmental, and social expectations could undermine public confidence and derail Kenya’s broader clean energy agenda.

As Kenya prepares for groundbreaking in 2027, one truth stands out: the Siaya nuclear project will not be measured by its megawatts alone, but by how well it balances national ambition with local trust and international safety standards.