By Bonface Mulyungi
Residents of Sakwa in Bondo Subcounty, Siaya county, took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the government’s proposed nuclear power plant project near the shores of Lake Victoria.
The demonstrations highlighted growing public concern over environmental safety, public health and the lack of adequate community consultation surrounding Kenya’s ambitious nuclear energy plans.
The protests come as the Kenyan government, through the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), intensifies plans to establish the country’s first nuclear power station in Siaya county.
According to government projections, the plant is expected to generate between 1,000 and 3,000 megawatts of electricity and could cost more than Sh500 billion.
Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with commissioning expected by 2034.
Carrying placards and chanting anti-nuclear slogans, protesters in Sakwa expressed fears that the project could threaten livelihoods dependent on Lake Victoria, including fishing and small-scale farming.
Residents also raised concerns about possible radiation exposure, contamination of water sources, and the handling of radioactive waste in the event the project proceeds.
Community members accused authorities of failing to conduct sufficient public participation before identifying Sakwa and nearby areas as potential sites for the facility.
Some residents claimed officials had not fully explained the long-term environmental and health implications associated with nuclear energy production.
The proposed nuclear project has remained controversial since the government first considered Kilifi County as a possible host region.
However, strong opposition from coastal residents, environmental groups, and local leaders forced authorities to shift focus to Siaya County in western Kenya.
Despite resistance from sections of the public, several political leaders have defended the initiative, arguing that nuclear energy could help Kenya meet rising electricity demands and support industrialisation under Vision 2030.
Late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has publicly backed the project, saying nuclear energy could provide stable and sustainable electricity if implemented under international safety standards.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also maintained that Kenya is following guidance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure the project meets global safety and regulatory requirements.
Government officials say Siaya was selected partly because of its proximity to Lake Victoria, which would provide cooling water necessary for reactor operations.
However, environmental activists continue to question the decision, arguing that Kenya already generates most of its electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar energy.
Critics insist the country should invest further in clean renewable alternatives instead of nuclear technology, which they consider risky and expensive.
The demonstrations in Sakwa are expected to increase pressure on the government to expand public engagement and transparency before moving forward with the multibillion-shilling project.
By Thursday evening, authorities had not issued an official statement directly responding to the protests.
