NuPEA chairman Prof. Lawrence Gumbe speaking in Kisumu

Universities based in the Lake Region are developing specialised courses in nuclear engineering to train professionals for Kenya's proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya County.

Nuclear Power and Energy Agency chairman Lawrence Gumbe said the agency was already in discussions with universities to introduce a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and postgraduate diploma programmes to build local expertise for the project.

He said the institutions will also be involved in research and public education to improve understanding of nuclear energy.

He spoke during a workshop bringing together academics and professionals in Kisumu. The government is already targeting a March 2027 groundbreaking for the project.

Prof Gumbe said universities will play a critical role in producing engineers, technicians and other specialists required to operate the facility.

The workshop attracted more than 100 participants from 15 institutions, including 11 universities from the Lake Region.

"We are already in discussions with a number of universities on a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a postgraduate diploma in Nuclear Engineering," Gumbe said.

He said NuPEA was also engaging Kisumu National Polytechnic to develop technicians and technologists who would support the nuclear energy industry.

Universities are expected to conduct research and generate local knowledge on nuclear energy, covering areas ranging from social sciences and natural sciences to engineering.

Gumbe said the first nuclear research reactor will be established at Konza, with discussions ongoing on the possibility of setting up additional facilities elsewhere.

He said President William Ruto was keen to break ground on the Siaya project in March 2027 and that agencies involved were working to meet the timeline.

The proposed plant is expected to provide reliable baseload electricity to support the country's growing energy needs.

KenGen, which has been appointed the owner and operator of the facility, said it was ready to work with NuPEA, universities and other government agencies to advance the programme.

General Manager Corporate services KenGen chief executive Beatrice Kandie speaking to the media in Kisumu.

KenGen's general manager for corporate services Beatrice Kandie said nuclear power will complement the company's existing generation sources, which include hydro, geothermal and wind.

She said KenGen's electricity generation mix was 92 per cent green, describing nuclear energy as an important addition because of its ability to provide firm power and strengthen stability of the national grid.

"Nuclear power is firm power. It is baseload power, and it is going to enable the stability of our grid," she said.

Kandie said the project will require substantial human resource capacity, making collaboration with universities essential in preparing engineers, craftsmen and other professionals.

She said community engagement and corporate social responsibility programmes will form part of the project's implementation.

Gumbe defended the agency's public participation record amid concerns surrounding the proposed plant in Siaya.

He said consultations began on June 26, 2025, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attending as the guest of honour.

He said more than 10 meetings were subsequently held in the project area in September 2025, followed by additional engagements this year with beach management units, faith-based organisations, landowners and other community groups.

Gumbe acknowledged an incident in which a meeting with landowners was disrupted by a group of people, saying some participants were assaulted.

He maintained that those opposed to the project had been invited to raise their concerns through discussions or written petitions but instead disrupted the meeting.

More than 10 peaceful engagement sessions have since been held, with Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda and other local leaders participating.

He also cited the support of Siaya Governor James Orengo, who was in South Korea alongside officials from NuPEA and KenGen to discuss technology for the proposed facility.

Maseno University Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Development Prof David Ongarora addresing the media in Kisumu

He said the university had the capacity to work with NuPEA and KenGen in advancing research and training for the nuclear energy sector.

Gumbe said collaboration with universities would help Kenya develop the scientific expertise and human resources required to sustain its nuclear power programme.