The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Speaking in Malindi town on August 17, 2025. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
The Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs Katoi, has faulted Kilifi residents and leaders for opposing multi-billion-shilling national government projects, terming the move “retrogressive and self-defeating.”
Speaking in Malindi town, Katoi—who hails from Bamba village in Ganze Sub-County—expressed regret that Kilifi lost out on a Sh.500 billion nuclear power project initially earmarked for Uyombo in Matsangoni Ward.
The project, spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), faced sustained opposition from local residents, human rights groups, environmental activists, and a section of elected leaders, who staged protests and filed legal suits to block its implementation.
“I want to advise Kilifi residents to embrace national government projects or continue lamenting about marginalization. Some of us in government are ready to guide the region in implementing such initiatives. It is unfortunate that even leaders and senior government officers from this region are at the forefront of opposing development,” Katoi remarked.
Following the resistance in Kilifi, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the nuclear project would be relocated to Siaya County, where it was warmly welcomed by local leaders and residents.
“Governors from Nyanza stood beside President William Ruto and supported the project we rejected. Now they will reap the benefits while we continue pushing away opportunities,” Katoi added.
The first high-ranking government official to oppose the Uyombo project was former Gender and Cultural Heritage CS Aisha Jumwa, who vowed never to approve it in cabinet.
“If you’ve not heard from leaders, I am the first to oppose the NuPEA project both as a CS of the Republic and a daughter of Kilifi. We shall stand with the people of Matsangoni and Kilifi in rejecting it,” Jumwa declared in early 2024.
After the dissolution of the cabinet in the wake of the Gen Z protests, Jumwa was appointed as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board by President Ruto in late 2024.
Kilifi Woman Representative Getrude Mbeyu has also remained a strong critic of the project, warning of its devastating environmental and economic impact.
Speaking at Mida Creek during World Mangrove Day last month, Mbeyu reiterated her opposition, insisting that a nuclear plant would have endangered the marine ecosystem and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands.
“I still oppose the project to date because of the adverse effects it would have had on our mangroves and marine ecosystem. Let it be implemented in regions that welcome it—we cannot accept it here,” she stated.
