Nuclear regulator kicks off plans to integrate its work

The government says it will take bold steps towards enhancing its regulatory oversight of the country’s ambitious nuclear programme.

A weeklong workshop has started in Nairobi to improve Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA)’s work in line with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards.

The forum led by IAEA experts, which began on Monday, is focused on the development of an Integrated Management System (IMS) for the regulator.

According to Eng Shadrack Kiti, the KNRA Director for Licencing and Standards, the IMS is expected to streamline the agency's operations, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and prevent the duplication of efforts. IMS will enable the authority to build a single system that manages multiple aspects of the organisation's operations.

“This forum is a demonstration of KNRA’s commitment to continuous improvement. Once in place, an IMS will enable the regulator to increase efficiency. Instead of working in silos, we will lessen bureaucracy and discourage duplication,” Eng Kiti stated.

Amid safety and climate change concerns, there has been a growing emphasis on enhancing regulatory leadership and management systems in countries that are introducing nuclear power programmes, such as Kenya, which aims to have its first nuclear power plant operational by 2035.

The IAEA delegation leading the workshop includes experts Gabriel Soare, Sherif Bakr, and Mihai Murafa.

Mr. Soare, formerly of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, highlighted the workshop as a unique opportunity for KNRA staff to learn and align with IAEA standards.

The KNRA team attending the five-day workshop includes Director of Corporate Services Patrick Ataro, Compliance Director John Opar, Deputy Director of Finance Anthony Nzau, Deputy Director of Licensing Michael Atogo, Human Resources Officer Constance Metto, nuclear inspectors, and department heads.

While Kenya does not yet operate nuclear power reactors, the country views robust regulation as a priority in its long-term energy strategy. Current energy capacity in Kenya includes 863 MW of geothermal, 838 MW of hydro, 436 MW of wind, 2 MW of biomass, 173 MW solar, and 678 MW of thermal power, with the total installed electricity capacity standing at 3,321 MW as of 2023.

Last year, Kenya hosted representatives from 22 African countries to review progress and challenges in nuclear regulation, with an emphasis on the need for binding commitments to international agreements on the safe and secure use of nuclear technology.

KNRA Director General James Keter affirmed the agency’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders and upholding the highest international standards for safety and protection.

“We will work round the clock to ensure protection,” Keter said.

The Nairobi workshop underscores Kenya’s resolve to build a strong regulatory framework as it moves towards integrating nuclear energy into its energy mix, with an eye on sustainable and secure development.

A third of the almost 30 countries currently considering nuclear power are in Africa and include Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Niger and Nigeria among others.

On radiation, Kenya, along with other countries, is focusing on improving patient protection from radiation sources, tightening authorisation and inspection, enforcing safety and security measures for radiation sources, and ensuring proper monitoring of the import and export of such materials.