Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has expressed his opposition to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Uyombo village. He joins Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu in objecting to the project.
Mung’aro criticized the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), stating that it did not adequately conduct public participation or convince the community about the project’s significance.
“People wonder why I have been very quiet on the nuclear power plant proposal in Uyombo,” he said.
“When the CS and NuPEA came to my office, I told them to go to the ground and talk to my people.
“I promised them I would go with what my people will say. NuPEA failed to convince the people and the residents declined to have the plant constructed. So I have no option but to also heed what my people say.”
The governor said the nuclear agency has not been sincere with the people.
“They have not had any public engagement in Uyombo. We have seen nuclear power plants cause massive destruction in other countries. We cannot accept such a plant to be built in our country,” he said.
He urged NuPEA to take the plant to another location.
“They told me they have other options, including Kwale, so they can go to the other areas,” he added.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya also said NuPEA has failed to effectively engage with the local community on the project’s benefits and risks.
The deputy majority leader in the National Assembly added that NuPEA has demonstrated their “incapability” to run a nuclear power plant.
“When NuPEA first came here, they asked if they could be given time to talk to the citizens to get their opinions about setting up a nuclear plant there,” he said.
“I took them to Uyombo and we had a meeting at Uyombo Girls. They said they were ready to engage the public about the matter, but they have not done it.”
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has criticized the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) for failing to fulfill its obligation to conduct thorough public participation forums. “Since 2021, we have given NuPEA the opportunity to do this work for all those years,” he stated. ”
However, NuPEA’s efforts have excluded certain citizens, selectively engaging some while neglecting others.” Baya emphasized the importance of detailed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Socio-Economic Impact Studies, and comprehensive public participation reports to inform the government’s decision-making on the project.
NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo defended the agency’s engagement efforts, describing public participation as an ongoing process. “In our strategic plan, public participation occurs in three phases, and we are entering the second phase,” he explained.
Wabuyabo highlighted that NuPEA has conducted meetings with local stakeholders and intends to increase community engagement further. He acknowledged the agency’s outreach to those opposing the nuclear power plant, including inviting leaders like Phylis Omido for constructive dialogue.
Regarding Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Wabuyabo mentioned that details such as the setup of seismic towers would be included. He also noted that the agency had briefed the Office of the Ombudsman on its activities across the country.
MP Owen Baya recently proposed a motion to disband NuPEA, suggesting it be downsized to a department within the Ministry of Energy due to alleged failures despite substantial funding.
“We allocated funds for benchmarking purposes, but they chose their own participants, not Uyombo residents,” Baya remarked.
He raised concerns about potential impacts on local tourism, questioning the fate of hotels near the proposed plant site in Watamu.
Kilifi Woman Representative Getrude Mbeyu echoed objections to the nuclear plant, emphasizing residents’ rights to avoid exposure to potential risks.
“We oppose the establishment of a nuclear plant in Uyombo or anywhere in Kilifi County,” she asserted.
Mbeyu criticized the lack of clarity on issues like radioactive waste disposal, highlighting concerns over long-term environmental and health impacts.
