Hundreds of people filled the dusty roads of Sakwa in Bondo sub-county on Thursday, chanting and holding up handmade signs that read “No Nuclear Here”. This latest pushback comes as the government eyes Siaya County for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant after similar plans faced strong rejection along the coast in Kwale and Kilifi.
The high-stakes proposal, estimated at 500 billion shillings, would place the facility near Lake Victoria. Many locals say they learned about the shift only recently and want nothing to do with it. They worry about what a nuclear site could mean for their fishing grounds, farmland, and families living close by.
“We cannot accept this project without full answers on safety,” one woman shouted during the gathering, her voice carrying over the crowd as others nodded in agreement.
Fishermen who depend on the lake every single day stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers and elders. They described quiet evenings by the water and busy mornings pulling nets, scenes they fear could change forever if radiation risks or waste issues arise.
Why the Project Moved Again
Government officials first looked at coastal spots for the plant. Residents there raised alarms about effects on marine life and tourism, leading planners to look inland toward Siaya. Now the focus has landed on areas around Bondo, with some talk of sites like Luanda Kotieno or nearby wards.
This back-and-forth has left many in Sakwa feeling like an afterthought. One community leader, speaking after the march, put it plainly. The people here fish for a living and grow crops near the shore. They have seen how big projects can bring changes, but this one feels different because of the unknowns.
Calls for Real Conversation
Thursday’s protest turned a public forum into a scene of raw frustration. Residents interrupted proceedings, waving banners and demanding that officials listen instead of pushing forward. Some carried photos of Lake Victoria at sunset, a reminder of what they stand to lose.
Steven Omamo, who lives with a view of the lake in nearby Utonga village, has helped gather signatures on a petition against the plant. He says many only heard rumours before the plans advanced. “We want development, but not at any cost,” he told those around him. Similar meetings in recent weeks at places like Uyawi Primary School showed the same firm stance from beach communities.
Siaya leaders find themselves caught in the middle. Governor James Orengo has spoken in favour of careful talks and potential benefits like jobs. But ordinary people in Sakwa and nearby places say consent must come first, not last. They refer to previous projects that promised much but delivered mixed results for local families.
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency has held some meetings, but protesters argue these fell short on details about waste storage, emergency plans, or long-term monitoring.
One older man at the demonstration shook his head while recalling stories from other countries where nuclear sites brought both energy and lasting trouble. “Our lake feeds thousands,” he said. “We cannot gamble with it.”
As the sun beat down on the gathering, women ululated and young men raised fists. The mood mixed anger with determination. No one threw stones or turned violent, but the message rang clear. People plan to keep showing up until their concerns receive straight answers.
Kenya faces real energy shortages, with many areas still relying on unpredictable rains for hydropower. Nuclear backers see it as a steady alternative on the path toward bigger goals by 2040. Yet for residents in Bondo, the conversation starts and ends with their homes and the great lake beside them.
By late afternoon, the crowd began to thin, but small groups lingered to talk strategy. They vowed to petition county offices and reach out to environmental groups. Whether the government will pause or press ahead remains to be seen. For now, Sakwa stands as the latest flashpoint in a debate that reaches far beyond one dusty Kenyan town.
