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Chairman of the Nuclear and Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), Prof Lawrence Gumbe (L), and the Vice-Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University, Prof Solomon Shibairo (R), during a meeting in the VC’s boardroom on Wednesday /IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

The NuPEA has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega to cultivate talent for the nuclear sector.

The initiative aims to educate individuals in readiness for the construction of the first nuclear power station in Siaya county, scheduled for 2027.

The facility will need more than 10,000 highly skilled workers, including plumbers, masons, and engineers, along with various other experts.

The chairman of NuPEA, Prof Lawrence Gumbe, CEO Justus Wabuyabo, and Vice Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University, Prof Solomon Shibairo, signed the partnership agreement in Kakamega on Wednesday.

Gumbe mentioned that the partnership is a long-term effort involving collaborations in conducting research, extending beyond nuclear programs to include applications in agriculture, medicine, engineering, and weather forecasting, among other areas.

“This partnership will offer Kenyans the chance to study nuclear energy technology to aid the implementation of the initiative within the nation,” Gumbe stated.

“We are enthusiastic about conducting research to advance our nuclear programs in collaboration with a distinguished institution such as Masinde Muliro, which is a university known for its research. We look forward to working together to develop high-quality programs, particularly in the fields of nuclear and petroleum,” he said.

He confirmed to Kenyans about the security of nuclear energy, stating that its development is carried out under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which considers strict safety measures.

He claimed that nuclear energy is safer than commonly perceived, noting that the number of deaths related to nuclear power is 0.03.

Shibairo mentioned that the framework enables the institution to create programs and syllabi aimed at educating individuals with the skills needed to work in the nuclear sector as the nation strives to adopt cleaner, more affordable, and secure energy sources.

The VC mentioned that nuclear technology is commonly utilized in daily life, with many individuals having encountered it through x-ray procedures and MRIs, adding that its uses span various fields such as agriculture and medicine.

“When performing an x-ray, or even when individuals undergo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, the process involves nuclear technology, and therefore there is no justification for concerns regarding the use of this technology,” he stated.

Wabuyabo mentioned that the agency has already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Pwani University, and another agreement is set to be finalized with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Kisumu Polytechnic, and other higher education institutions focusing on nuclear workforce development.

Wabuyabo stated that the government is advancing the most recent nuclear technology and will collaborate with all involved parties, appointing them as ambassadors.

He mentioned that the agency is actively involving the public via public participation forums concerning the nuclear power plant, encouraging the university to serve as advocates for the initiative.

“We will also interact with young people’s organizations, church groups, and utilize national leadership systems to reach the grassroots level and have discussions with the public to inform them about this technology and reassure them that it is safe and reliable,” the CEO added.