The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Kenya is set to install nuclear energy that will be operational by 2034.
An area where the project, the first of its kind in Kenya, will be constructed has been identified in the southern part of Kilifi.
In the past deliberation on the power project met stiff opposition from the environmentalist
Residents of Uyombo, who depend on fishing and tourism for their livelihoods, fear the environmental and health impacts of the plant, particularly the risk of radiation and the potential disruption of marine ecosystems.
The fears have since been dismissed by Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency saying the Sh 500 billion project will be safe for the community as all the concerns raised have been addressed..
The agency has repeatedly dismissed claims by residents and environmentalists that the proposed nuclear power plant will cause any harm to the residents in the area despite opposition from local communities and environmental groups.
The locals say issues on transparency of the decision-making process, with allegations that local residents have not been adequately informed or involved.
The electricity generation plant will produce 1,000 megawatts of power and is part of Kenya’s long-term strategy to reduce its reliance on hydroelectric and fossil fuel energy sources.
