Senators Urge Swift Compensation for Bondo Residents Ahead of Nuclear Plant Launch

The Senate Standing Committee on Energy has emphasized the urgent need for fair compensation for residents of Bondo Sub-County in Siaya County. This comes ahead of the planned March 2027 groundbreaking of Kenya's inaugural nuclear power plant.

Led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, the committee engaged with officials from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and local stakeholders, including residents of Lenya Village, the selected site for the 2,000-megawatt plant.

Compensation and Community Concerns

• Senator Kisang highlighted the delay in compensation, stressing that with the groundbreaking approaching, unresolved issues could stall the project.
• Residents expressed worries about the adequacy of land compensation, potential environmental impacts, and whether the generated electricity would directly benefit their community.
• Bondo MP Dr. Gideon Ochanda called for clarity on tangible benefits for locals, such as electricity access and involvement of KenGen in community support.
• Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla urged NuPEA to expedite compensation, emphasizing fairness before construction begins.
• Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga advocated for the project to create jobs and improve social amenities like schools and health facilities.

Project Background

NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo stated the Lenya site was chosen following thorough regional assessments. The nuclear plant is a key part of Kenya’s energy expansion plans, aimed at boosting power generation capacity.

However, community engagement remains critical to address concerns and ensure host residents share in the project's benefits.