Kenya Steps Up Search for Sh646bn Siaya Nuclear Plant Site

The government of Kenya plans to spend Sh80 million in the financial year starting July 2026 to continue searching for the exact site of the proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya County.

The allocation comes as authorities narrow down potential locations within the lakeside county, aiming to secure a technically and environmentally sound area for the Sh646 billion infrastructure project.

The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) is spearheading the site selection process, which requires detailed scientific and geological assessments to ensure the selected zone safely supports nuclear infrastructure.

According to NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo, the ongoing siting process involves analysing several environmental, geological, and logistical factors to determine whether an area can safely host a nuclear power facility.

Identifying the definitive location is a crucial step before any civil works can commence on the project, which President William Ruto previously indicated is targeted for construction in the near future.

The proposed plant, which is expected to eventually deliver significant baseload electricity to the national grid, has seen its preliminary candidate locations focused along the shores of Lake Victoria due to the large water volumes required for cooling operations.

Engineers and environmental experts are evaluating factors such as seismic stability, proximity to water resources, population density, and grid connectivity to ensure compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) milestones approach.

The project forms part of a wider state policy to diversify the country's energy mix, reduce reliance on power imports from neighbouring countries, and provide stable electricity capable of supporting long-term industrial expansion.

While the wider nuclear development programme involves an estimated investment of Sh646 billion, the current financial allocation remains strictly focused on the immediate pre-construction phase of site characterisation and verification.

Local leadership and stakeholder engagement sessions have been conducted concurrently in the region, with authorities seeking to address public concerns regarding safety, land acquisition, and environmental preservation before finalizing the site borders.