This archive report was first published on 23 August 2020.
Published on August 23, 2020, the government's plan to build a nuclear power plant in Tana River County has raised eyebrows among Kenyans.
The project, estimated to cost Ksh540 billion, aims to provide 1,000 Megawatts (MW) of electricity, with the capacity to be expanded fourfold through a build, operate and transfer (BOT) model.
However, critics, including renowned economist David Ndii and anti-corruption activist John Githongo, have expressed concerns over the project's legitimacy and potential for corruption.
According to Ndii, the goal is not to build the plant but to siphon billions in public funds in the initial stages of the project.
"It is not going to be built. The purpose is to justify a project preparation budget, say about 2.5% comes to $125m (Sh12.5 billion). This is what Edward Ouko was describing as exit lanes for budgeted corruption," Ndii stated.
Githongo, on the other hand, described it as one last cash grab before the expiry of President Uhuru Kenyatta 's second term in 2022.
"A USD5 billion (Ksh500 billion) nuclear plant two years before an election is a scandal in the making. One last major cash grab before the polls," he stated.
Former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe also expressed her concerns, stating, "It is shocking that the government intends to build a $5 billion (Sh540 billion) nuclear power plant on the Tana River...Another heist in the making but also one which might annihilate all of us in the process,"
Before the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) can approve the project, the public will be required to give their submissions on the project's anticipated impact.
A file image of a nuclear power plant.
