Residents of Uyombo and environmental activists on Friday reiterated their opposition to the proposed nuclear power plant in the area.
This came days after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the state remains committed to constructing the facility, despite local resistance.
Speaking in Mombasa during a tour of government development projects, Mwaura said the project is safe and aims to boost the regional economy. He urged residents to support the initiative, citing backing from international partners.
“There is a Nuclear Regulatory Authority, which determines if all is safe and there are funds for the project. There are sponsors from China and the US who are ready to invest,” Mwaura said.
On Friday, Uyombo residents expressed support for civil society groups that have raised concerns over the plant since the proposal was first floated over a year ago.
Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action Executive Director Phyllis Omido voiced concerns about the treatment of critics of the project, during a sensitisation forum held in Uyombo.
“Today, they say they will not violate our rights. Do you trust this government that only listens to the rich? No one has the right to violate your rights, whether you are rich or poor,” Omido said.
She stressed that the anti-nuclear movement is non-partisan and based on scientific research, distancing it from any political affiliations.
“The reports indicate Kenya has no capacity to invest in nuclear,” she said, adding that alternative energy sources like geothermal remain underutilised despite their potential.
Omido also questioned the projected costs of nuclear power, stating it may be more expensive than other sources.
“Kenya has the seventh-largest deposits of geothermal power in the world. Why are we leaving a cheaper, safer source for a more expensive one?” she posed.
She cited challenges faced by other countries in their pursuit of nuclear energy as a cautionary example.
Resident Mdoe Mwangoma said the project threatens the livelihoods of Uyombo residents.
“All our activities and livelihoods are in Uyombo. Why are we being displaced for something we are opposed to?” he said.
Mwaura had earlier said safety measures would be observed and that the project would help eliminate power blackouts.
“There will also be no blackouts anymore. We have learnt a lot from past global nuclear incidents and corrective measures have been considered over the last 40 years,” he said.
However, Omido and some residents questioned Kenya’s capacity to manage nuclear-related risks, pointing to the country’s ongoing challenges with natural disasters such as floods.
by BRIAN OTIENO
