Kenya’s plan to construct its first nuclear power plant in Kilifi County, a prime coastal tourist destination, has sparked significant public outcry. The proposed 1,000MW facility, slated to begin construction in 2027 and become operational by 2034, faces fierce opposition from local residents and environmental groups.
Kilifi County, renowned for its pristine beaches and the Arabuko Sokoke forest, a haven for rare and endangered species, finds itself at the center of a heated debate. Protesters, concerned about potential negative impacts on human health, wildlife, and the tourism industry, have taken to the streets to voice their dissent.
Recent demonstrations saw dozens of activists marching to the county governor’s office, brandishing anti-nuclear slogans and demanding the project’s cancellation. Concerns range from the risk of malformed children to the destruction of marine life and damage to the ecologically significant Arabuko Sokoke forest.
Environmental groups argue that the nuclear plant threatens the region’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on eco-tourism. They emphasize the potential risks to health, environment, and tourism in the event of a nuclear incident, particularly given Kenya’s vulnerability to natural disasters like floods and droughts.
The project, estimated to cost 500 billion Kenyan shillings ($3.8 billion), has also raised questions about public participation in the decision-making process and the adequacy of legal and disaster response measures. While proponents argue for the necessity of nuclear energy, opponents maintain that the risks far outweigh potential benefits in this ecologically sensitive region.
As the debate intensifies, the future of Kenya’s nuclear ambitions hangs in the balance, with the pristine coast of Kilifi at the heart of this contentious issue.