Kilifi Leaders Join Locals to Reject Multi -Billion Uyombo Nuclear Power Plant
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung'aro surrounded by local leaders and Residents of Uyombo. (Photo By Robby Ngomba).
By robby Ngoba
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The proposed establishment of the Multi-billion Uyombo Nuclear power plant in Kilifi County has been yet rejected by both leaders and locals over its unexplained environmental hazards.
The rejection comes when energy and petroleum cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi accompanied by officials from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NePEA) converge at the Coast Development Authority (CDA) Hotel in Kilifi town for a fact-finding session.
Salim Munga, a youths leader representative, who had camped outside the hotel said the disadvantages overweight the advantages of proposed project.
According to him only a few leaders stand with the community in opposing the plant that is a cause of worry to many a residents of Uyombo village.
“We are grateful to our leaders for standing on our side. They have passed on our massage to CS energy that the people of Uyombo are not ready for a such project,” he said.
The leaders who accompanied the secretary include Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, Malindi MP Amina Munyazi, Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu, Rabai MP Kenga Mupe, Kilifi South Ken Chonga, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana, Kilifi County MP Getrude Mbeyu and Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire among a host of MCAs.
The governor faulted the Nupea officials for failing to inform the public and local community before broaching the project to them.
According to him the community received extensive advice on the risks associated with the nuclear power plant.
“The residents of Uyombo have been informed well on the negative effects of the projects than the government it’self and that is why as leaders we have told the CS there is no room for this project,” he said.
On his part, Mr Baya said the county did not have any available site for nuclear plant.
“The government is welcomed to consult with us and even the locals on the way forward, but our position as of now is very clear, we are not ready to host a such plant,” he said.
The CS acknowledged the concern raised and assured government commitment to ensure a consensus was reached before embarking on the project.
“The Kenya Kwanza is a listening government. I have listen to all the concerns raised. As a government, we will continue with engagement procedures so as to reach an agreeable consensus. Its through engagement that will find a common way forward,” he said.
