Kenya's plan to build its first nuclear power plant in Siaya County came under close scrutiny on Thursday after senators sought assurances on safety, environmental protection, public participation and community benefits before the project moves to the construction phase.
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy questioned officials from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) over the country's preparedness to implement the nuclear power programme, with lawmakers seeking clarity on the project's financing, regulatory framework, compensation plans and measures to safeguard residents and the environment.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga on Thursday, NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo said Lenya Village had been identified as the preferred site for Kenya's first nuclear power plant following extensive regional assessments and screening of potential locations.
He told senators that the preferred site, alongside an alternative location, would undergo detailed characterization before licensing and construction approvals are granted.
The committee also sought updates on the proposed March 2027 groundbreaking. NuPEA said several milestones must first be completed, including land acquisition, environmental and social impact assessments, financing arrangements, vendor selection, licensing documentation and coordination among relevant government agencies.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale questioned whether the project would be accompanied by investment in social infrastructure, including a Level 5 hospital to handle emergencies linked to the proposed plant. He also sought clarification on the financing model, legal safeguards, the amount of land required, the number of people likely to be displaced and the compensation and resettlement framework.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who attended the session as a friend of the committee, raised concerns over public participation, arguing that residents had not been adequately involved.
"This kind of a project requires extensive public participation which has never been undertaken. I have only engaged in just one meeting, which was the inaugural meeting," he said.
Amollo also urged the agency to address concerns surrounding nuclear technology.
"Historically, nuclear power has not been associated with very good results. The scientific concerns need to be answered satisfactorily," he observed.
He further emphasized the need to protect Lake Victoria, saying millions of people depend on it for their livelihoods. He also called for proper resettlement plans for affected families and sought clarity on the direct benefits Siaya residents would receive from hosting the project.
Another committee member, Ochanda, questioned whether the proposed March 2027 groundbreaking was achievable, noting that site characterization alone could take close to a year. He also sought clarity on the roles of NuPEA, the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority and KenGen.
In response, NuPEA said it coordinates Kenya's nuclear power programme, while the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority is responsible for licensing and oversight. KenGen, the agency said, will own, develop, construct and operate the power plant.
Committee chair Oburu Oginga said Parliament's priority was to ensure the project meets the highest safety standards.
"Although nuclear power is cheaper, our concern is about safety to avoid accidents caused by nuclear reactors. Let us not emphasize the negatives but focus on the positive attributes of nuclear power," he said.
"In my lifetime, I hope to see nuclear power implemented in Siaya County."
Responding to the concerns, Wabuyabo maintained that advances in technology have strengthened nuclear safety.
"Today, a nuclear plant cannot leak because of the safeguards put in place," he said.
NuPEA also assured senators that areas prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity had already been ruled out during site selection. The agency said comprehensive environmental studies covering radiological safety, fisheries, aquatic ecosystems, thermal effects and possible cross-border impacts involving Uganda and Tanzania will be conducted before licensing.
The agency further said the proposed project is expected to cost about Sh500 billion and create between 5,000 and 12,000 jobs during construction, with priority to be given to local workers, skills development and businesses from Siaya County.