Raila drums up support for nuclear power plant in Siaya

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind the government's ambitious plan to establish a nuclear power plant and described it as a massive game-changer.

Authorities have proposed to construct the project at Luanda Kotieno in Siaya.

On Friday, Raila rallied residents and leaders to demand clarity over the project, adding that the government experts will answer any concerns they have about it.

He said the leaders and community should ensure any concerns they have are addressed, and work with the government and the experts.

He was speaking in Bondo, Siaya county during a nuclear stakeholder engagement where he noted that if successfully executed, nuclear power will be a game changer in the socio-economic development of the counties and the country at large.

"It represents a monumental step towards energy security, industrialization, and sustainable growth. I urge you to seize this historic opportunity with unity, foresight, and unwavering dedication," he told the stakeholders.

Odinga noted that the programme must pay maximum attention to the safety and security of the people, property, and the environment.

He said the programme has to adhere to the global standards in every aspect, from construction to decommissioning, and meet international requirements and best practices.

"Site selection for a nuclear power plant is critical. The identification of the Lake Victoria Region as a candidate host for the nuclear power plant is a recognition of its unique strategic advantages. It is important that there be a genuine and detailed engagement with the people, the leaders, and all stakeholders, and have all concerns raised and addressed," he added.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said the successful implementation of the nuclear power program will provide numerous benefits to various sectors of Kenya’s economy.

He told the leaders and community that their safety, well-being, and the protection of the environment are his ministry's top priorities.

"The Ministry, working closely with the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and the independent regulator, the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), is committed to full transparency and open dialogue. It will be a very consultative and transparent process," he added.

Wandayi noted that beyond providing clean, affordable, and reliable power to the national grid, it will usher in unprecedented opportunities for local job creation, from construction to long-term operations, and stimulate local businesses.

"It will attract new investments, enhance infrastructure, and foster skills development with unparalleled opportunities for our youth. We are committed to ensuring these benefits are maximized for the local community," he said.

The CS noted that some of the key steps undertaken by Kenya include partnerships and collaborations with nuclear operating countries and expert organizations, training of Kenyans in nuclear-related courses both locally and abroad.

Raila's concerns on safety and clarity about the project were shared by Senator Oburu Oginga, Speaker George Okode, MPs David Ochieng (Ugenya), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Christine Ombaka (Siaya), and Otiende Amollo (Rarieda).

The leaders who welcomed the proposal to have the project told the Ministry of Energy and the Nuclear agency to ensure they provide the technical and most important information about the importance of the project to the community.

Speaker Okode, who conveyed Governor James Orengo's message, said the county government is committed and is on board with the plans to establish the nuclear power plant.

MP Ochanda said the community needs to be educated on the positive impact the power plant will bring to them.

"Give them examples of countries that already have a nuclear power plant in and out Africa. And give them the positive information about this project from those countries. Knowing that negative news travels very fast, let us tell the people how important this nuclear energy plant is," he noted.

His Counterpart MP Otiende Amollo, who said that his constituency had accepted to host the plant at Luanda Kotien,o told the agency and Ministry to ensure the people from his area benefit from scholarships and education on the project.