NuPEA, KenGen, Civil Society and Maseno University Stakeholders’ Engagement Committee Pays Courtesy Call to the Vice-Chancellor Ahead of Nuclear Energy Town Hall Debate
A joint delegation from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), KenGen, Civil Society and Maseno University has met with the Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University to lay the groundwork for the Nuclear Energy Town Hall Debate aimed for academics and professionals. The visit was intended to brief university leadership on the goals and structure of the planned forum and to secure the institution's backing as host and co-owner of the initiative, while also settling logistics and partnership details.
The NuPEA delegation was led by board chairman Prof. Eng. Lawrence Gumbe and included CEO Justus Wabuyabo, Board member Abdisalan Adow Abdi, Communications Director Patricia Ndede, and Principal Scientist Kenneth Anakol. KenGen was represented by independent Director Umuro Wario and General Manager for Corporate Services Beatrice Kandie, while Civil Society Chairman Boaz Waruku also attended. Maseno University's team included Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Finance and Development Prof. David Ongarora, along with faculty members Prof. Chrispin Kowenje from the Department of Chemistry, Prof. Charles Nyambuga and Dr. Osir Otteng from department of Communication and Media Technology.
Organizers described the Town Hall Debate as the opening chapter of an ongoing, evidence-based public conversation on nuclear power, designed to give experts and the public a credible platform to raise questions and get authoritative answers on issues ranging from nuclear safety and waste management to land use, jobs, financing, regulation and energy security.
Maseno was chosen to host given its academic reputation and its ties to the Lake Region, with the University expected to take long-term ownership of the initiative while NuPEA, KenGen and Civil Society partners provide technical and public-engagement support.
DVC Prof. David Ongarora welcomed the initiative, noting that the University was well-placed to convene informed conversations on nuclear energy given its multidisciplinary strengths and location within the Lake Region.
In his closing remarks, the DVC-AFD thanked NuPEA, KenGen and Civil Society partners for choosing Maseno University to host the Nuclear Energy Town Hall Debate, calling it a fitting reflection of the University's academic standing and regional role. He reaffirmed Maseno's commitment to formalizing its support for the initiative and working with the committee on preparations ahead of the October event.
Commenting on the goals of the Town Hall Debate, Prof. Chrispin Kowenje of the Department of Chemistry at Maseno University said the forum was designed to demystify nuclear energy for academics and professionals alike, using credible, evidence-based information to counter the misinformation that often surrounds the subject. He noted that safety and environmental considerations would remain central to the discussions, alongside efforts to strengthen collaboration between Maseno University, NuPEA, KenGen and Civil Society partners. Prof. Kowenje added that the engagement was meant to outlast a single event, laying the groundwork for a sustainable framework of future public dialogues. He confirmed that a formal report on the proceedings would follow, together with a running list of questions and research gaps identified during the debate.
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