State sued over planned nuclear power plant

By Lucianne Limo

Nairobi, kenya: The Government’s bid to establish a nuclear power plant in the country is facing a hurdle.

Dr Joseph Kitur, a researcher, wants the court to order the Nuclear Electricity Project Committee to suspend the ongoing feasibility study of nuclear energy production pending the determination of his case.

Kitur argues that the project is not properly informed, ill-timed and wants the court to declare that due to the grave risk of nuclear disaster and environmental impacts of nuclear power production, Kenya should instead pursue clean, safe and renewable sources of energy.

The petitioner, a regional manager for Livestock Institution in Africa noted that the Government is in the process of carrying out a feasibility and self-assessment study for nuclear power production in the country without fully acknowledging greater risks involved in nuclear energy.

He further alleged that the public did not understand the working scope of the committee set up to oversee the project.

In 2010, the Energy ministry unveiled a 13-member committee, chaired by Ochillo Ayacko to drive the nuclear electricity generation agenda in the country.

The committee was mandated to identify a site to set up the nuclear power station, as well as prepare and oversee implementation of a roadmap for the launch of nuclear power plant.

Ministry budget

The ministry set aside Sh300 million to start off the nuclear electricity project.

Consequently, in April this year, a group of 11 Kenyan students began training in a South Korean nuclear graduate school.

The students were picked from various parastatals in the Ministry of Energy and are undertaking postgraduate studies in Nuclear Science at the Korea Electric Power Corporation training school.

In a replying affidavit, Ayacko defended his team saying they are carrying out a pre-feasibility study meant to inform it whether to proceed with the project or not.

The decision to carry out a nuclear power project, he said, has not been made, saying the petitioner cannot purport to seek redress for a decision not yet made.

He said the project is necessary considering the rapidly increasing cost of electricity for industrial, commercial and household use.

“The petitioner’s apprehension of dangers resulting from radiation is farfetched, unfounded and moot,”Ayacko said. 

Justice David Majanja directed the parties to exchange submissions within 14 days and the case will be mentioned on June 6.