Lake Region universities to train nuclear experts for Siaya power plant
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency is in talks with universities on a master's degree and a postgraduate diploma in nuclear engineering. The government is targeting a March 2027 groundbreaking for the Siaya plant.
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…
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