Siaya County is set to become the site of Kenya’s first-ever nuclear power plant, a historic initiative aimed at transforming the country’s energy landscape and fueling its growing industrial sector.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced the bold move, citing the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s electricity generation capacity to match rapid economic growth and rising energy demands.
“As a fast-growing economy, the demand for electricity will continue to surge,” said Wandayi. “For the first time in our history, we are making serious strides toward establishing a nuclear power plant to ensure reliable electricity supply for our industries, businesses, and households.”
The proposed site for the project is in Siaya County, where a high-level stakeholders’ forum will be held on June 26. The meeting will bring together key county leaders, including Governor James Orengo, MPs, MCAs, and officials from across critical sectors.
Wandayi described the nuclear initiative as a transformative legacy project for President William Ruto, one that will solidify Kenya’s place in the global energy transition.
The plant is projected to cost between Ksh305 billion and Ksh500 billion and will be developed over seven years through a public-private partnership model.
Professor Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), confirmed that Siaya had emerged as the leading candidate among previously considered locations that included Kwale and Kilifi. Resistance from local communities in coastal regions prompted the government to deepen engagement in Nyanza, where support appears more favorable.
Wabuyabo noted that a viable nuclear site must be near a large water body for reactor cooling, and several points around Lake Victoria have been earmarked for further scientific and environmental studies.
“We aim to determine the safest and most viable site to host this transformative project,” Wabuyabo said, adding that construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the plant expected to be operational by 2032.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs, offering a major economic boost to communities in Nyanza and Western Kenya.
In addition, the government plans to partner with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology to train the local workforce, a standard practice in countries developing nuclear facilities to ensure safety and technical capacity.
Wabuyabo emphasized that stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the process. If land acquisition becomes necessary, he assured that the government will carry out transparent consultations and fair compensation.
“The nuclear plant will bring clean, affordable, and stable electricity,” he said. “It will help reduce blackouts and lower power costs for Kenyans.”
Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the United States and China, and is finalizing another with South Korea to support various aspects of the nuclear project.
“As we move forward, we are committed to safety, community engagement, and national dialogue,” Wabuyabo added. “The well-being of our people remains our top priority.”
If successful, the Siaya project could redefine Kenya’s energy future and place the country among Africa’s pioneers in nuclear power generation.
