Siaya Governor James Orengo has held talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Kenya explores technical support for a proposed nuclear power plant in the county.
Orengo led a Kenyan delegation in discussions with IAEA Deputy Director General Hua Liu during the agency’s 70th General Conference in Vienna.
The meeting focused on possible technical assistance, technology transfer and the development of safety and regulatory frameworks that would be required if the proposed project proceeds.
According to Orengo, nuclear power could provide a reliable source of baseload electricity while supporting economic activity in Siaya and neighbouring counties.
Project still at planning stage
The governor said the proposed facility could attract infrastructure investment and specialised expertise to the region while creating employment opportunities for local residents.
“Siaya is officially at the centre of Kenya’s energy future,” Orengo said following the meeting.
He said the county government would cooperate with the national government and relevant agencies as Kenya advances its nuclear energy programme.
Orengo also stressed that safety, environmental protection and community involvement would need to remain central to the project.
The proposed plant, however, has not yet reached the construction stage.
Authorities have not publicly announced definitive details on the project’s exact location, projected generating capacity, construction cost or implementation timetable.
Before any construction could begin, the project would have to go through regulatory processes, environmental assessments and public participation.
IAEA support
The IAEA assists countries considering nuclear power by providing technical guidance and helping them develop the institutions, expertise, legal frameworks and safety systems required to operate nuclear facilities.
Kenya has been exploring nuclear power as part of its long-term strategy to expand electricity generation and provide a stable supply for households and industry.
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) is responsible for coordinating the country’s nuclear power development programme, including research, planning and infrastructure preparation.
Orengo’s engagement with the IAEA comes as Kenya works to strengthen the technical and regulatory capacity that would be needed for a nuclear energy programme.
Safety and regulation
The governor said discussions with the international agency were intended to help ensure that any future development complies with international standards.
Nuclear projects require extensive safety and regulatory systems because of the potential risks associated with nuclear materials and facilities.
Environmental considerations and public participation would also form part of the approval process for the proposed Siaya project.
The IAEA General Conference in Vienna brought together representatives from member states to discuss nuclear safety and security, nuclear technology and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Kenya’s discussions with the agency are expected to continue as the country evaluates the technical, regulatory and institutional requirements for introducing nuclear power.
For Siaya, the proposed project could potentially bring new infrastructure and investment to the county, but its actual development will depend on further technical studies, regulatory approvals, financing and other required processes.
