Kenya’s first nuclear power plant faces opposition from coastal residents

In recent months, the scenic coastal county of Kilifi, Kenya, known for its stunning beaches and rich biodiversity, has become the center of a heated controversy. Plans to build Kenya’s first nuclear power plant in the heart of this top tourist hub have sparked an outcry, drawing protests from local communities, environmentalists, and human rights groups. The proposed nuclear plant has ignited concerns over the potential destruction of the environment, including habitats that shelter endangered species, and the disruption of a thriving eco-tourism industry that sustains thousands of livelihoods.

Kilifi County, located approximately 522 kilometers (324 miles) southeast of the capital, Nairobi, is renowned for its picturesque coastline, coral reefs, and the Arabuko Sokoke forest—a critical habitat recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity. The forest is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Sokoke Scops Owl, Clarke’s Weaver, and various migratory birds. The forest, alongside nearby marine ecosystems like Watamu Marine National Park, is a cornerstone of the region’s eco-tourism.

However, a $3.8 billion nuclear power project proposed by Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (Nupea) is threatening to turn this tranquil landscape into the site of one of Africa’s largest nuclear energy ventures. The planned 1,000 MW nuclear power plant is scheduled to begin construction in 2027, with completion targeted for 2034. The Kenyan government argues that the plant is critical to meet the country’s growing energy demands and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Despite the government’s justifications, the project has encountered widespread opposition. Environmentalists and local residents argue that the proposed plant could have devastating consequences for the ecosystem and the economy. Fears of radiation leaks, pollution, and habitat destruction have fueled the protests. Additionally, the potential risks to Kilifi’s eco-tourism industry—a lifeline for many locals—are viewed as too high a price to pay.

Community and Environmental Groups Rally in Kenya’s first nuclear power plant Protest

On Friday, a large group of protesters led by Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) marched to the Kilifi County governor’s office, submitting a petition demanding the cancellation of the nuclear project. Chants of “Sitaki nuclear” (Swahili for “I don’t want nuclear”) echoed through the streets as demonstrators held placards voicing their opposition.

One of the protesters, Francis Auma, an activist from MUHURI, emphasized the potential hazards of the nuclear plant, stating, “We say that this project has a lot of negative effects; there will be malformed children born out of this place, fish will die, and our forest Arabuko Sokoke, known to harbor the birds from abroad, will be lost.”

The Arabuko Sokoke forest, home to endangered species and one of Kenya’s last remaining coastal forests, is particularly vulnerable. Environmentalists like Phyllis Omido, the executive director of the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action, warned that Kilifi’s rich ecosystem would be irreparably harmed if the plant goes ahead. She highlighted the region’s dependence on eco-tourism, saying, “We host the only East African coastal forest, we host the Watamu Marine Park, we host the largest mangrove plantation in Kenya. We do not want nuclear energy to mess up our ecosystem.”

Fishermen in the region have also expressed grave concerns, fearing that the plant will impact their primary source of income. Timothy Nyawa, a fisherman who participated in the protests, explained, “If they set up a nuclear plant here, the fish breeding sites will all be destroyed.”

Legal and Parliamentary Battle Over the Plant

The protests against the nuclear plant are not just happening on the streets. Activists and community leaders have taken the fight to the courts and the Kenyan parliament. In November 2023, the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action filed a petition in parliament calling for an inquiry into the project. The petition highlighted the lack of adequate public consultation, as well as concerns over environmental risks, disaster preparedness, and health hazards in the event of a nuclear spill.

Furthermore, a lawsuit filed in July 2024 by two lawyers sought to halt the construction of the plant, arguing that public participation meetings were rushed and the community had not been adequately informed about the project’s risks. The Kenyan Senate, responding to the lawsuit, suspended its inquiry into the nuclear plant until the legal case is resolved.

One of the central concerns raised by opponents of the plant is the risk of nuclear waste and the potential for radioactive contamination. Kenya, a country that is already grappling with climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods, lacks comprehensive disaster management plans for nuclear-related incidents, say critics. They also question whether the country is equipped to handle the long-term storage of nuclear waste, especially in an ecologically sensitive region like Kilifi.

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Government Response and Environmental Safeguards

In response to the growing opposition, Nupea has maintained that the nuclear power plant is a necessary investment for Kenya’s future energy needs. The agency has promised that the plant will meet all environmental and safety regulations, assuring the public that construction won’t begin until comprehensive environmental impact assessments have been completed. Nupea also published an impact assessment report last year, which recommended policies to ensure environmental protections, including plans for radioactive waste disposal and the establishment of a nuclear safety unit within the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

Despite these reassurances, many in Kilifi remain unconvinced. The region’s heavy reliance on eco-tourism, combined with the risks of nuclear power plant accidents, has led many to believe that the costs outweigh the benefits. The protests show no signs of abating, and the future of Kenya’s nuclear ambitions remains uncertain.

A Broader Debate on Kenya’s Energy Future

The conflict over the nuclear plant in Kilifi reflects a broader debate in Kenya about how the country should meet its growing energy demands. While the government is keen to diversify its energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint, critics argue that nuclear power is not the solution. They advocate for investments in renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, which are abundant in Kenya and pose fewer risks to the environment and public health.

For now, the fate of the Kilifi nuclear plant hangs in the balance. As protests continue and legal battles play out, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its plans for Kenya’s first foray into nuclear energy.