Universities in the Lake Region are developing nuclear engineering courses to train staff for Kenya's proposed nuclear power plant in Siaya County, The Star reported. Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) chairman Lawrence Gumbe said the agency was already in talks with universities. They are discussing a Master of Science and a postgraduate diploma in nuclear engineering.
Gumbe spoke at a workshop for academics and professionals in Kisumu. More than 100 people from 15 institutions attended, including 11 Lake Region universities. He said NuPEA was also working with Kisumu National Polytechnic to train technicians and technologists. The universities will also carry out research and public education on nuclear energy.
According to Gumbe, Kenya's first nuclear research reactor will be built at Konza. Talks on more facilities elsewhere are ongoing. He said President William Ruto was keen to break ground on the Siaya project in March 2027. The agencies involved are working to meet that date, he added.
KenGen has been appointed owner and operator of the plant. Its general manager for corporate services, Beatrice Kandie, said 92 per cent of the company's generation mix was already green. Its existing sources include hydro, geothermal and wind. She said nuclear would add firm power and keep the grid stable. "Nuclear power is firm power. It is baseload power, and it is going to enable the stability of our grid," she said.
Gumbe also defended NuPEA's public participation record as concerns about the plant persist. He said consultations began on June 26, 2025, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga attended as guest of honour. More than 10 meetings followed in the project area in September 2025. This year the agency has met beach management units, faith-based groups and landowners.
Gumbe confirmed that a group disrupted one meeting with landowners and said some participants were assaulted. He said opponents had been invited to raise their concerns through talks or written petitions. More than 10 peaceful sessions have been held since then, with Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda taking part. Gumbe added that Siaya Governor James Orengo backs the project. Orengo was in South Korea with NuPEA and KenGen officials to discuss the plant's technology.
Maseno University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof David Ongarora said his university was ready to work with NuPEA and KenGen on research and training.