Kilifi residents, leaders reject Uyombo Nuclear Power Plant project over safety fears
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the community had received extensive advice on the risks associated with nuclear energy and was now more opposed to the project than the leaders themselves.
The proposed multi-billion-shilling Uyombo nuclear power plant has been met with fierce resistance from residents of Uyombo village and local leaders, who have unanimously opposed the project, citing environmental concerns.
This week, the project suffered another major blow when Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, accompanied by officials from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), toured Kilifi for a fact-finding mission.
However, the visit was met with strong objections from both leaders and locals.
“We are grateful to our leaders for standing with us today. They have clearly passed on our message to the Energy Cabinet Secretary that the people of Uyombo and Kilifi as a whole do not want a nuclear power plant. Our community is not ready for such a project,” said Amina Kombe, a resident of Uyombo.
Salim Munga, a youth representative, was more direct in his concerns. “If they bring a nuclear plant here, where will we live? Life will become very difficult for us. We do not want this project at all.”
Advice
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the community had received extensive advice on the risks associated with nuclear energy and was now more opposed to the project than the leaders themselves.
Locals listen to Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Kilifi leaders led by Governor Godeon Mung'aro and representatives from the Nuclear, Power and Energy Authority (NuPEA) during the county visit on a fact finding mission of the proposed nuclear power plant project. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
“The residents have been well informed and have become stronger opponents of this project than the government itself,” said Governor Mung’aro.
“For now, as leaders, we have told the Energy Cabinet Secretary that there is no room for this project in Kilifi.”
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya echoed the governor’s stance, saying, “Kilifi County does not have an available site for a nuclear power plant. The Energy Cabinet Secretary is welcome to consult with us on the way forward, but at this point, our position is very clear: we are not open to hosting such a facility.”
Several other residents expressed anger over what they called a lack of respect and proper consultation from the government.
“We have lived here all our lives. No one came to ask us for our opinion,” said Mzee Bakari Juma, a village elder.
According to him, “They just want to impose this project on us without understanding how it could affect our land and our families.”
Moses Karisa, a fish vendor, said he feared for their children's future. “I sell fish to feed my children. If this nuclear plant contaminates our water, what happens next? We are not ready to take that risk.”
Energy CS Wandayi acknowledged the concerns and promised continued dialogue.
“I have listened to the views of the people through their leaders. As the national government, we will continue with this consultative process to reach a joint decision. We believe that with extensive discussions, we shall eventually find a common way forward,” said CS Wandayi.
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