In recent years, Kenya has experienced a series of catastrophic weather events that have left a trail of destruction and devastation in their wake. From the heavy flooding in the coastal and North Eastern regions in November and December of 2023 to the unprecedented rainfall witnessed last month in April 2024, it is evident that our climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable and extreme.

The effects of these extreme weather events have been felt across the country, with the worst-hit areas including central Kenya, Nairobi, and the Central Rift Valley. Entire communities have been submerged under floodwaters, homes and schools destroyed, bridges collapsed, and roads rendered impassable. In Murang’a county, landslides have wreaked havoc, further exacerbating the situation. Adding to the chaos, a cyclone named Hidaya battered the coastal region, causing widespread damage from Tanzania to Kenya.

In the face of such extreme weather conditions, it is clear that nuclear power is not a viable solution for Kenya. The construction and operation of nuclear power plants require stable and predictable environmental conditions, which are increasingly becoming a thing of the past in our rapidly changing climate. The risks associated with nuclear power, including the potential for catastrophic accidents and the long-term storage and disposal of radioactive waste, are simply too great to ignore.

Instead of pursuing a nuclear program that puts the lives and livelihoods of our people at risk, we urge the government to invest in renewable energy sources that are safer, cleaner, and more sustainable. Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power offer viable alternatives that can meet our energy needs without endangering our environment or our future.

As a nation, we must prioritize the transition to renewable energy and take decisive action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By rejecting nuclear power and embracing clean energy solutions, we can build a brighter, more resilient future for all Kenyans.