Kenya is set to break new ground in energy production after President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga jointly threw their weight behind the establishment of the country’s first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, in what is being framed as a flagship project under the Broad-Based Government arrangement.
The Kshs 500 billion mega-project, spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) in collaboration with the County Government of Siaya, was the centerpiece of a high-level meeting today between Governor James Orengo and NuPEA’s CEO and management team.
The proposed nuclear power station will not be about “bombs or weapons,” officials clarified, but about safe, modern, civilian-use energy generation to support Kenya’s growing electricity demands. The plant will integrate seamlessly into the national grid, ensuring more reliable and affordable power for homes, industries, and businesses.
“This project proves what inclusive governance can deliver. With President Ruto’s administration, Raila Odinga’s statesmanship, and Governor Orengo’s leadership, Siaya is set to become the heartbeat of Kenya’s energy revolution,” said a senior NuPEA official.
Governor Orengo called the plant a “transformational opportunity”, promising that Siaya residents would be at the center of the project’s benefits.
The plant is expected to:
Create thousands of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers during construction and operation.
Offer training and scholarships to local youth in nuclear science, engineering, and technology fields.
Spur new infrastructure including roads, housing, water supply, and communication networks.
Boost the local economy through business opportunities, new investments, and tourism.
Recycle nuclear by-products safely for industrial and agricultural use, creating additional value chains.
In a rare show of unity, both Ruto and Raila have signaled that the project represents the true spirit of the Broad-Based Government, focusing on development that transcends political divides.
Raila, whose political base is firmly rooted in Nyanza, has reportedly assured locals that the project will be safe, globally compliant, and community-centered. Ruto, on his part, has underscored the initiative as proof that his administration is delivering on big-ticket infrastructure and energy diversification.
“This is not about political sideshows,” Orengo added. “It is about securing a prosperous future for Siaya, Nyanza, and Kenya at large.”
If executed, the Siaya nuclear plant would be a first for East Africa, positioning Kenya as a pioneer in nuclear energy and strengthening its capacity to power industries, households, and the digital economy.
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