Nuclear Power and Energy Agency is finalising plans for the construction of a Sh500 billion nuclear power plant in the country, the state agency Head of Legal Services Justus Wabuyabo has said.
Wabuyabo said that the power plant is projected to generate 1,000 megawatts after connecting to the national grid upon completion.
Addressing the press in Eldoret during a one-day stakeholders’ forum, the legal service head said the plant would provide stable energy apart from creating job opportunities for the jobless qualified Kenyans youth.
The power plant which will be the first of its kind in the country, will create more than 1,000 jobs for the youth as well as indirect job opportunities for over 100,000 people, said Wabuyabo.
He said the government, through the state agency, has rolled out public participation and awareness forums across the 47 counties to get the views and input of Kenyans ahead of the setting up of the multi-billion shillings plant.
Wabuyabo said that Kwale and Kilifi counties in the Coast region have been identified as the most preferred location for the setting up of the nuclear power plant project as they are not prone to earthquake-related challenges.
“Once the nuclear power plant project is actualized, Kenyans will enjoy drastic reduction of energy costs, and also the country is set to attract more investors,” said Wabuyabo.
Other benefits to the people living near the proposed nuclear power plant sites include improved infrastructure, construction of state of the art learning institutions, hospitals and roads.
He added that an environmental impact assessment will have to be conducted in the proposed location for the construction of the nuclear power plant to determine the viability of the project before work starts.
By Kiptanui Cherono
