By Nyang’au Araka
Journalists have been urged to take full ownership of Kenya’s nuclear energy narrative as the country prepares to host the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICoNE 2026) later this month.
The call was made during a high-level media engagement aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to report on nuclear energy and its role in Kenya’s future power mix.
Speaking at the forum, David Omwoyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), emphasized that Kenya’s nuclear ambitions will only succeed if the public is well informed through accurate and consistent local reporting.
Omwoyo challenged Kenyan journalists to move beyond covering isolated events and instead become long-term partners in shaping the national conversation on nuclear energy.
“We are inviting journalists to become long-term partners in the nuclear conversation, not merely to cover a one-off event,” he said.
“Local media must lead the coverage of Kenya’s first nuclear plant because our journalists are best placed to explain the benefits, risks and safeguards in ways that resonate with citizens.”
He noted that the media plays a crucial role in helping the public distinguish between peaceful applications of nuclear technology—such as in medicine, agriculture and electricity generation—and its military uses.
Also addressing journalists at the briefing was Justus Wabuyabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, who described the media as the critical bridge between nuclear science and the public.
Wabuyabo said Kenya stands at the threshold of a major energy transition and that accurate information will be key in building public confidence in nuclear power.
“Kenya is on the doorstep of a historic energy transition. Accurate information is the key to building public confidence,” he said.
He added that nuclear power has the potential to reshape the country’s economic landscape by providing reliable and affordable electricity for industries while creating high-skilled employment opportunities for young people.
“Nuclear energy is about more than just lighting homes; it is about powering industries and enabling transformative infrastructure for our country,” Wabuyabo said.
The remarks come ahead of International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2026, scheduled to take place from March 24 to 26 in Kenya.
The conference is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates, including energy ministers from across Africa, policymakers and global nuclear experts.
