Kenya, July 9, 2026 – Kenya is stepping up efforts to deliver its first nuclear power station, with public consultations set to begin next week after Siaya County leaders threw their weight behind the proposed multi-billion-shilling project, arguing it could transform the region into a major industrial and investment hub.
The proposed plant, planned for Bondo in Siaya County, represents one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure projects as the country seeks to diversify its electricity mix, strengthen long-term energy security and provide the reliable baseload power required to drive industrialisation.
Meeting the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NUPEA) leadership in Siaya, Governor James Orengo said the county could no longer afford to miss strategic national investments if it hoped to compete economically with other regions.
“Unless we create an enabling environment where major investments can be established in Siaya, history will not judge us kindly,” Orengo said, describing the nuclear project as a catalyst capable of attracting industries, creating skilled jobs and expanding the county’s revenue base.
The governor said counties that have embraced large national projects have witnessed significant economic transformation, urging residents to evaluate the proposed nuclear plant on scientific evidence rather than fear.
Orengo, who has publicly supported nuclear energy in national forums attended by President William Ruto, argued that Kenya’s industrial ambitions would remain constrained without substantial expansion of electricity generation.
He noted that neighbouring countries were investing aggressively in large-scale energy projects while Kenya continued to rely on an electricity system whose capacity remains inadequate to support energy-intensive manufacturing, electric rail transport and future industrial growth.
“If Kenya is to become an industrial economy, it must invest in reliable long-term power generation,” Orengo said.
The governor urged NUPEA to move beyond technical planning and intensify grassroots engagement before formal project implementation begins.
He cautioned that public acceptance would determine the project’s success and advised the agency to work closely with elected leaders, county officials and local communities during the sensitisation exercise scheduled to begin next week.
“Community trust cannot be built from boardrooms. Local leaders must be part of every conversation because they understand the concerns of the people,” he said.
Orengo also appealed for county leaders to be sponsored on study visits to operational nuclear power stations abroad, saying first-hand exposure would equip them with factual information needed to address public concerns over safety, environmental protection and economic benefits.
NUPEA Chairman *Prof. Lawrence Gumbo* said preparations for public participation had been completed after delays caused by funding constraints.
