A human-rights lawyer has filed a case at the East African Court of Justice challenging Kenya's proposed nuclear power plant near Lake Victoria. The plant, estimated at Ksh490 billion, is planned to generate between 2,000 and 5,000 megawatts and will be sited in Bondo, Siaya County, on the lake's eastern shore. The case raises concerns about the location's environmental and ecological risks to the shared freshwater lake.
The case was filed on 23 September by Dickens Ochieng, a Siaya resident and human-rights lawyer. Ochieng argues that the location poses environmental and ecological risks to Lake Victoria, which is used by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He is also seeking a transboundary environmental assessment, citing potential adverse effects that could cross borders.
The petition questions the adequacy of Kenya's own environmental assessment, which identified volcanic hazards in the region that could affect nuclear safety. Additional concerns raised include security issues, insufficient public consultation, and inadequate risk-mitigation measures. Ochieng's case has intensified scrutiny of the plant's location, environmental safeguards, and consultation process.
Kenya's Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) says the nuclear programme follows a phased approach that includes site assessment, environmental studies, regulatory development, and public engagement. The project has faced scrutiny over its financial and technical demands, with experts warning that nuclear plants require substantial capital and long construction periods.
Earlier site considerations included locations in Kilifi County and Turkana County before the Lake Victoria region was selected. The Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment has also called for revisions to Kenya's environmental report before it can support informed decision-making.
The East African Court of Justice has given the Kenyan government 45 days to respond to the case. This timeline could lead to further examination of the plant's environmental safeguards and consultation process. The court's involvement may impact the project's progression and implementation.
The Ksh490 billion nuclear power plant plan is a significant development in Kenya's energy sector. The project's success will depend on addressing the concerns raised by Ochieng and other stakeholders. The court's decision will be crucial in determining the project's future and its potential impact on the environment and local communities.
Key points
- The planned nuclear power plant near Lake Victoria faces a legal challenge over environmental and transboundary concerns.
- The case raises concerns about the location's environmental and ecological risks to the shared freshwater lake.
- The East African Court of Justice has given the Kenyan government 45 days to respond to the case.
