Opposition Grows Against Kenya’s First Nuclear Power Plant in Kilifi

Opposition Grows Against Kenya’s First Nuclear Power Plant in Kilifi

Kenya’s plan to build its first nuclear power plant in Kilifi has sparked significant protests from local residents and environmental groups. The proposed facility, located along the Indian Ocean in Kilifi County, is slated to begin operations by 2034 and is part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s energy sources.

On October 11, 2024, demonstrators gathered in Kilifi, holding banners that read “Sitaki nuclear” (I don’t want nuclear). Activists voiced concerns over potential negative impacts of the project. “This project will have severe consequences, including health risks and damage to our natural resources,” said Francis Auma, a human rights activist.

The nuclear plant, with an estimated budget of 500 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $3.9 billion), aims to generate 1,000 megawatts of power. Critics argue that this investment could instead fund renewable energy projects capable of producing much more power sustainably. “We could generate over 2,000 megawatts with this budget using renewables, which would be better for future generations,” said a representative from the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action.

Local fishermen are particularly worried about the plant’s impact on marine life and their livelihoods. Timothy, a fisherman with two decades of experience, stated, “If a nuclear plant is built here, the fish breeding sites will be destroyed.”

Despite the backlash, Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency insists that the project will not harm residents or the environment. They have promised to prioritize safety and transparency, pledging that the construction will begin in 2027 after further consultations. However, many residents remain skeptical and continue to call for more involvement in the decision-making process regarding this controversial project.

Source: Africa News