Kilifi county residents have opposed the proposed multibillion-dollar Uyombo nuclear power plant, citing concerns over potential environmental risks.
In a consultative meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Energy Opiyo Wandayi, on May 3, the community raised unresolved issues, particularly around environmental, social, and safety implications.
“I have heard the concerns of the people of Kilifi, and I believe that through continued consultations, we will find an amicable solution,” said Wandayi.
While acknowledging the opposition, the Cabinet Secretary stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue and consultations with the community to address their concerns and move forward with the project.
Kilifi Residents Oppose Multi-Billion Nuclear Power Plant
“Our governor, Gideon Mung’aro, has assured us that he has presented our concerns to the government. As residents of Kilifi, we do not want this nuclear project,” said one of the Kilifi residents.
Kilifi leaders said that they remain open to dialogue and future consultative meetings to ensure the community’s voice continues to be heard in the decision-making process.
“Residents were never involved in any public participation. Our people have only seen the negative side and the potential dangers of this project,” said Gideon.
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Reasons Why Residents Oppose the Project
Residents fear the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear accident, including radioactive contamination of the environment. Additionally, environmentalists have argued that studies show children living near nuclear power plants are at a higher risk of developing leukemia and cancer due to radioactive emissions.
Moreover, they are concerned about potential corruption in the project of such magnitude, which could lead to mismanagement and safety shortcuts putting them at risk.
Residents and local leaders argue that proper public consultations were not conducted, leaving the community uninformed and excluded from the decision-making process.
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Nuclear Power Plant
The planned 1,000 MW facility, estimated at Ksh500 billion, is slated to begin construction in 2027 and become operational by 2034.
Two sites were identified in Kilifi and Kwale counties for the proposed nuclear power plant, with technical and feasibility studies already conducted as part of the ongoing implementation plans.
The strategic plan launched by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) outlines a comprehensive roadmap for developing the necessary infrastructure to support the safe and secure construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Kenya.
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