By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, July 9, 2026 - Kenya is stepping up efforts to deliver its first nuclear power station, with public consultations set to begin next week after Siaya County leaders threw their weight behind the proposed multi-billion-shilling project, arguing it could transform the region into a major industrial and investment hub.
The proposed plant, planned for Bondo in Siaya County, represents one of Kenya's most ambitious infrastructure projects as the country seeks to diversify its electricity mix, strengthen long-term energy security and provide the reliable baseload power required to drive industrialisation.
Meeting the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NUPEA) leadership in Siaya, Governor James Orengo said the county could no longer afford to miss strategic national investments if it hoped to compete economically with other regions.
"Unless we create an enabling environment where major investments can be established in Siaya, history will not judge us kindly," Orengo said, describing the nuclear project as a catalyst capable of attracting industries, creating skilled jobs and expanding the county's revenue base.
The governor said counties that have embraced large national projects have witnessed significant economic transformation, urging residents to evaluate the proposed nuclear plant on scientific evidence rather than fear.
Orengo, who has publicly supported nuclear energy in national forums attended by President William Ruto, argued that Kenya's industrial ambitions would remain constrained without substantial expansion of electricity generation.
He noted that neighbouring countries were investing aggressively in large-scale energy projects while Kenya continued to rely on an electricity system whose capacity remains inadequate to support energy-intensive manufacturing, electric rail transport and future industrial growth.
"If Kenya is to become an industrial economy, it must invest in reliable long-term power generation," Orengo said.
The governor urged NUPEA to move beyond technical planning and intensify grassroots engagement before formal project implementation begins.
He cautioned that public acceptance would determine the project's success and advised the agency to work closely with elected leaders, county officials and local communities during the sensitisation exercise scheduled to begin next week.
"Community trust cannot be built from boardrooms. Local leaders must be part of every conversation because they understand the concerns of the people," he said.
Orengo also appealed for county leaders to be sponsored on study visits to operational nuclear power stations abroad, saying first-hand exposure would equip them with factual information needed to address public concerns over safety, environmental protection and economic benefits.
NUPEA Chairman *Prof. Lawrence Gumbo* said preparations for public participation had been completed after delays caused by funding constraints.
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"The resources required to facilitate the public engagement process have now been secured following consultations with the National Treasury and the Ministry of Energy. We are ready to begin stakeholder engagement next week," Gumbo said.
He pledged close collaboration with county leaders throughout the project development process, describing public participation as central to Kenya's nuclear programme.
NUPEA Chief Executive Justus Wabuyabo said several international partners had expressed interest in financing the project once Kenya completed its regulatory and public consultation processes.
According to Wabuyabo, countries including China, France, Canada and South Korea have demonstrated interest in supporting Kenya's nuclear programme, but investors are awaiting strong public backing before committing resources.
"If the programme proceeds according to schedule, we expect the groundbreaking ceremony to take place in March next year," he said.
Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode said local political leaders would play a decisive role in ensuring residents receive accurate information about the project.
"The methodology will determine success. Community leaders must remain at the centre of public engagement because they enjoy the confidence of local residents," Okode said.
Central Sakwa MCA Bismack Olango, whose ward hosts the proposed project site, warned that delays in public education had created space for misinformation to spread among residents.
He urged NUPEA to accelerate civic education campaigns to counter what he described as unfounded claims about nuclear technology and ensure communities receive accurate scientific information before consultations begin.
Environment Executive Prof. Jacqueline Oduol also called on the agency to communicate technical information in simple language capable of addressing public concerns over safety and environmental protection.
The Siaya consultations mark a critical phase in Kenya's decades-long quest to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix. If realised, the project would rank among the country's largest infrastructure investments, potentially reshaping western Kenya's economic landscape while supporting the government's broader strategy of expanding industrial production through affordable and reliable electricity.