1,000MW baseload power, energy security, reduced carbon emissions
Kenya Nuclear Power Plant (Kilifi Proposal)
Proposed 1,000MW nuclear power plant at Uyombo, Kilifi, KES 500 billion, Kenya's first nuclear facility - highly controversial with ongoing protests.
AnnouncedJanuary 1, 2022
Expected CompletionDecember 31, 2034
Financials
Offering PriceKsh 500,000,000,000KES
Timeline
Kilifi Site Identified
NuPEA identified Kilifi and Kwale as preferred coastal sites for nuclear plant
Sitaki Nuclear Protests
Major protests in Kilifi against nuclear plant; police used force against demonstrators; lawsuits filed
Alternative Sites Considered
NuPEA announced Luanda Kotieno (Siaya/Lake Victoria) and Turkana as alternative sites amid Kilifi opposition
Scandals & Controversies
Sitaki Nuclear Protests
October 11, 2024Major protests in Kilifi against nuclear plant; police used force against demonstrators; lawsuits filed
Contractors
NuPEA (Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency)
Project Development AgencyGovernment agency overseeing nuclear power programme; vendor selection pending
Politicians Involved
William Ruto
President of KenyaSupporting nuclear power as part of Kenya's energy diversification strategy
Gideon Mung'aro
Governor of KilifiFaces pressure from constituents opposing the Uyombo site
Benefits
Description
The Kenya Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has identified Uyombo in Kilifi County as a preferred site for Kenya's first 1,000MW nuclear power plant, estimated at KES 500 billion ($3.8 billion). The site was selected for its seismic stability, coastal water access for cooling, low population density, and proximity to grid infrastructure. However, the project faces fierce opposition from local communities ('Sitaki Nuclear' protests), environmentalists, and tourism stakeholders due to proximity to Watamu Marine National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), Arabuko Sokoke Forest (East Africa's largest coastal forest), and Mida Creek mangroves. Lawsuits and parliamentary petitions have been filed. Alternative sites in Siaya (Lake Victoria) and Turkana are also being considered. Construction was initially planned for 2027 but faces significant delays.
Overview
Would be East Africa's first nuclear power plant and only the second commercial nuclear facility in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa's Koeberg, but faces massive environmental and social opposition.