Why are nuclear power plans proving controversial in Africa?

Is nuclear power a possible answer to the challenge of phasing out fossil fuels in response to global warming? Many African governments say yes – and 18 are now in the feasibility stage of developing nuclear power stations. Currently, South Africa is the only country on the continent which generates electricity from a nuclear power plant.

But activists argue there are too many risks – and that Africa lacks the capacity to dispose of the waste nuclear power produces. In Kenya, residents of Uyombo village in Kilifi are opposing the development of a power plant in their area – even though its construction is only due to start in 2027. The government says when – or if – it comes online, it should generate 1000 megawatts of electricity, nearly a third of the energy Kenya currently produces.

For the Africa Daily podcast, Alan Kasujja speaks to renowned environmental activist Phyllis Omido, who is leading the campaign against the project. He also speaks to Justus Wabuyabo, the head of Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the body tasked by the government with developing nuclear energy in the country.