Nairobi: Kenya is forging ahead with plans to establish its inaugural nuclear power plant in Siaya County, aiming to bolster energy access and secure a long-term supply. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi informed the Senate Committee on Energy, during a session in Kisumu, that the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) is leading the initiative to address the nation's energy deficits.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is being implemented in compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations. NuPEA is addressing concerns from various stakeholders to ensure the project progresses as planned. Wandayi emphasized that Kenya is on the brink of operating its first nuclear power plant, with all safety and environmental concerns being managed in strict adherence to IAEA guidelines.
The plant has garnered substantial political backing from President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and the Council of Governors, marking a significant stride in securing clean, reliable power to propel industrial growth. In tandem with the nuclear plant, the government has secured Sh15 billion from the World Bank to advance off-grid electrification in 14 underserved counties, primarily in northern Kenya and arid regions distant from the national grid.
The counties targeted include West Pokot, Turkana, Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, and Narok. Wandayi stated that the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) would spearhead the rollout in collaboration with other state agencies. The off-grid systems, incorporating solar and hybrid mini-grids, are expected to complement national grid expansion, providing power to households, schools, and businesses that have long awaited connectivity.
Wandayi highlighted the twin projects as pivotal, poised to unlock economic prospects in marginalized regions while positioning Kenya as a leader in sustainable and secure energy supply in Africa. Regarding the proposed privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Wandayi informed the Senate Committee that the Ministry has already submitted the proposal to a joint committee of the National Assembly on Energy and Privatisation.
As the proposal generates mixed responses from different stakeholders, Wandayi urged for composure, noting the initiative is in its nascent stages and that due process will precede any share sales. The government argues that privatisation could provide capital for modernisation, enhance operational efficiency, and expand capacity to meet increasing regional demand. However, the proposal has sparked debate over national control of vital infrastructure, with some legislators and civil society groups cautioning against the sale of stakes in a lucrative state monopoly integral to national energy security.
Parliament is anticipated to deliberate on the plan in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to influence other pending privatisation proposals within the government's economic reform agenda. Senate Committee on Energy Vice Chairman William Kipkemoi reaffirmed the House's readiness to assist the Ministry through legislative reforms, stating Senators are prepared to amend laws to enhance efficiency in the energy sector. He added that during a two-day retreat, the Senate would discuss with the Ministry contentious issues around wayleaves, the legal rights to access land for laying energy infrastructure.
County governments, through the Council of Governors, have expressed concerns over provisions in the Energy Act 2016, which seem to restrict them from charging wayleaves without explicit approval from the Cabinet Secretary.