NuPEA participated in the inaugural Kilifi International Investment Conference (KCIIC), at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County. A premier investment forum that brought together global investors, business leaders, Government representatives, and entrepreneurs to explore and discuss investment opportunities in Kilifi County and the wider coastal region of Kenya. The conference focused on key sectors that included tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy under the theme, “Accelerating Economic Growth Through Partnerships.”
The conference was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency DR. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H. In his keynote address, he stated, “The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that all counties across Kenya, harness their unique endowments and capitalize on their undeniable potential, to attract investment and emerge as powerful engines of national growth and development.”
Eng. Eric Ohaga, NuPEA’s Director for Nuclear Energy Infrastructure and Development, stressed the critical role that clean, stable, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy would play in Kilifi’s investment blueprint. In achieving this, he further remarked that nuclear energy development in Kilifi, would provide the much needed capacity to drive manufacturing, mining, processing, textiles, and the Special Economic Zones in Kaloleni. This will contribute significantly to the national and county economic development agenda, generate employment opportunities and enhance the quality of life for Kenyans. Additionally, he emphasized that nuclear will complement other renewable energy sources, thereby stabilizing the grid.
Mr. Wilfred Baya, Assistant Director of Energy, Kilifi County Government stated, “sustainable energy supply is a prerequisite for growth and industrialization. As the country seeks to transit to green and clean energy by the year 2030, the role of nuclear energy cannot be ignored.” He further noted that the intermittent nature of renewables emphasizes the need to explore other sources of energy to diversify Kenya’s mix, that includes battery energy storage systems, hydrogen fuel and nuclear energy.
Dr. David Otwoma, President of the Nuclear Society of Kenya, added his expert voice to the discussion, drawing on his extensive experience in nuclear safeguards, and radiation protection. His message to all, “there is no need to fear nuclear energy.” He further explained that there are currently various applications of nuclear energy in Kenya, including in health (x-rays and cancer diagnosis and treatment techniques), improvement of crop and livestock productivity, mapping and management of ground water resources to increase water supply, non-destructive testing in industry among others. He emphasized the need to embrace nuclear energy for electricity production as well, a safe technology that will enable the nation and county, to prosper.
NuPEA is committed to a transparent decision-making process in the development of nuclear energy in Kenya for its socio-economic development and sustainable growth.