Kenya should rethink its decision to build nuclear power plant

An overview of the site of the Doel Nuclear power plant with the two cooling towers photographed from the banks of the Scheldt. [Courtesy].

Two weeks ago, the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit was held in Nairobi, where elaborate plans to add nuclear to Kenya’s energy mix were discussed. As Kenya prepares to embark on the ambitious nuclear power project, with an investment of Sh500 million for a facility in Uyombo, Kilifi County, we must critically examine the implications of this decision.

It is essential to ask: Is this the right path for our nation, especially when we have yet to fully develop our renewable energy sector, which currently provides 90 per cent of our electricity?

Investing in nuclear power distracts from the pressing need to further enhance our renewable energy infrastructure. Given our abundant natural resources—sun, wind, and geothermal—why allocate substantial funds to a sector that demands advanced technology and stringent regulation, especially when we could be harnessing clean, sustainable energy?

The focus should be on resolving existing energy disparities and advancing renewable projects that can deliver power more reliably and at a lower risk to our environment and people. Furthermore, the shadow of corruption looms large over this initiative. The history of embezzlement in Kenyan health, education, and security sectors raises significant concerns about the management of funds in a project of such magnitude.

With millions of dollars at stake, is there a guarantee that these resources will be allocated where they are most needed rather than being siphoned off in dubious contracts or mismanaged budgets? The trust of Kenyans in their government must not be breached again.

Moreover, the cost of this project will plunge Kenya into significant debt. The money spent on nuclear power could be redirected towards transformative sectors such as education where we could afford to provide free education from early childhood all the way through university. Investing in our youth is essential for long-term growth and sustainability.

The proposed site for the nuclear plant—Uyombo—is not just a location; it is a vibrant coastal town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, pivotal to local livelihoods reliant on tourism. The threat posed by the construction and potential operation of a nuclear power station looms over the local ecosystem, threatening marine life, including vital turtle nesting sites. Would it not be more prudent to preserve our natural treasures and invest in sustainable tourism instead?

Disaster preparedness and response capabilities in Kenya remain inadequate. The spectre of a disaster, similar to Japan’s Fukushima incident, highlights our lack of readiness to handle emergencies on the scale that nuclear energy demands.

The inherent risks of a nuclear reactor in a country with inconsistent infrastructure and a reactive approach to disaster management are unparalleled. In the unlikely—yet plausible—event of an earthquake or technical failure, the costs to human life and the environment could be catastrophic.

Additionally, claims of creating 7,000 local jobs through this project are unrealistic. The reality is that many locals will not possess the qualifications needed to work at a nuclear facility, dampening the promised economic benefits.

The writer is a communications consultant