Government will Proceed with Nuclear Power Plant at Kilifi’s Uyombo Area as Planned

By Mwakwaya Raymond 

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The controversial nuclear power plant proposed to be built at Uyombo in Kilifi County will now go on as planned, despite the public outcry on safety of the local community.

Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac  Mwaura says the plant is safe and secure hence there’s “no reason whatsoever” to stop it from being set up at the proposed site.

Human rights as well as environmental activists have been up in arms to oppose the plant citing environmental implications once it takes off.

However the government spokesman has reaffirmed the community that the government has looked into all matters of the environment and that all is well for now.

Addressing the media in Mombasa on Monday 09 June, at the County Commissioners’ office, Mwaura assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken in line with international safety standards to safeguard the health and livelihoods of the local community.

“I can assure you and the country at large that Nuclear power is safe, I have personally used it when I was in the University and I can attest that it’s safe and secure,” said Mwaura.

A section of politicians had raised concerns on the implications repecations on tourism and public health that are likely to arise once the plant is in operation.

Defending the viability of the Nuclear facility in Kilifi, Mwaura emphasised that the proposed nuclear facility, which forms part of Kenya’s long-term energy development strategy, is a crucial step toward reducing energy costs, increasing national power output, and promoting clean energy.

“Now it’s in phase two of the project implementation, which will happen between now and 2027, following the successful completion of Phase One,” he said. 

He mentioned the economic zone at Dongo kundu in Mombasa saying it will greatly depend on the power generated from the Nuclear power facility in Uyombo to undertake any meaningful program.

“We are establishing the necessary regulatory frameworks, including the creation of a nuclear regulatory authority.”

The Sh 500 Billion project  jointly sponsored by the Kenyan government and the World Bank, is expected to generate about 1,000 megawatts (MWs) of electricity once operationalized. 

“As the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya requires up to 30,000 MWs of electricity to support industrialization and sustainable development. 

Nuclear energy, alongside geothermal and hydroelectric power, offers a stable, clean, and reliable source,” added the spokesperson.

Mwaura argued that the plant would create a minimum of 10,000 jobs calling on residents to embrace it for their own good.

Sometimes back the community had a deadly clash with security officers who engaged them after they resisted NuPea officers from mounting a mast at the proposed site.

Several people sustained serious injuries with some breaking their limps.

Local leadership led by the deputy governor Flora M’betsa and area member of parliament Owen Baya have differed with the government stand even after visiting Vietnam where they were well briefed on the operations of a Nuclear plant. 

Standing in solidarity with the community the leaders claimed that they were not ready for the plant to be set up at Uyombo village in Matsangoni ward within Kilifi County.

Kenya is among African countries pursuing nuclear energy, with South Africa being the only one currently operating a nuclear power plant. 

Kenya alongside Egypt and Ghana are developing the nuclear power programs, with Kenya targeting 2034 for operational readiness.