People from Sakwa in Bondo Subcounty, Siaya county, gathered in demonstrations on Thursday to voice opposition against the government’s intended nuclear power plant construction along Lake Victoria’s shoreline.
The protests underscored mounting anxiety about environmental protection, health risks, and insufficient community engagement in Kenya’s expansive nuclear energy proposals.
These demonstrations occur as the Kenyan administration, via the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), accelerates efforts to build the nation’s initial nuclear power facility in Siaya county.
Government estimates indicate the facility is likely to produce 1,000 to 3,000 megawatts of electrical power and may exceed Sh500 billion in expenses.
Work on the plant is scheduled to commence in 2027, with full operations anticipated by 2034.
With banners raised and anti-nuclear chants echoing, demonstrators in Sakwa voiced apprehensions that the development might endanger livelihoods tied to Lake Victoria, particularly fishing and small agricultural activities.
Local inhabitants also brought up worries regarding potential radiation exposure, water source contamination, and management of radioactive materials if the project advances.
Area residents criticized officials for inadequate public involvement in designating Sakwa and surrounding regions as possible locations for the complex.
Several community members stated that representatives had not comprehensively outlined the enduring environmental and health consequences linked to nuclear power generation.
The suggested nuclear undertaking has faced persistent opposition since authorities initially evaluated Kilifi county as a potential host area.
Nevertheless, vigorous resistance from coastal communities, environmental organizations, and regional leaders compelled officials to redirect attention to Siaya County in western Kenya.
Amid public resistance from certain quarters, multiple political figures have endorsed the project, maintaining that nuclear power could assist Kenya in addressing increasing electricity requirements and advancing industrial development as outlined in Vision 2030.
Late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has publicly supported the proposal, stating that nuclear energy could deliver consistent and sustainable power if executed according to international safety benchmarks.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also affirmed that Kenya is adhering to recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to guarantee the project aligns with worldwide safety and regulatory standards.
Government representatives explain that Siaya was chosen partly due to its closeness to Lake Victoria, which would supply the cooling water required for reactor functioning.
Nonetheless, environmental advocates continue to challenge the selection, asserting that Kenya already produces the majority of its electricity from renewable resources like geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar power.
Detractors maintain that the nation should channel more resources into clean renewable options rather than nuclear technology, which they deem hazardous and costly.
The gatherings in Sakwa are likely to intensify pressure on the administration to enhance public consultation and openness before proceeding with the billion-shilling venture.
As of Thursday evening, no official response to the demonstrations had been issued by government authorities.