Part of Kenya’s delegation to the conference in Vienna Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat and Mr. Edick Anyanga engage in a brief consultation. /HANDOUT
The government has assured stakeholders that it is establishing robust regulatory structures as Kenya gears up for its nuclear power programme.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 69th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna on Wednesday, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) board chairman Edick Anyanga said safety remains the top priority for the country’s nuclear regulator.
“We are here to take stock and learn from the experiences of other countries. As a regulator, we are leaving nothing to chance. We are ready and willing to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that our regulatory environment meets international standards,” Mr Anyanga told journalists.
He added: “As an embarking country, we recognise the many questions and concerns that may arise. We want to assure the public that protecting lives and the environment is our highest priority.” The country hopes to begin the construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2029.
He spoke moments after Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Abdulrazak Shaukat said Kenya remains committed to the highest standards of nuclear safety and security. He also said Kenya aims to set up a regional designated centre for non-destructive testing in collaboration with IAEA.
The Vienna conference, which started on Monday and ends on Friday, brings together representatives from the IAEA’s 180 Member States, continues with key deliberations expected to lead to significant resolutions on global nuclear safety and cooperation. The crucial conference will set priorities for the coming year, and adopt resolutions that guide global nuclear policy.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi addressed the gathering, highlighting the Agency’s support for Member States in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. He outlined the IAEA’s achievements over the past year and reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation.
“The Agency has made significant progress across its flagship initiatives, advancing nuclear technologies to tackle global challenges in health, food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience,” Mr Grossi told delegates.
Kenya’s delegation to the conference includes Prof Shaukat, Mr Anyanga, Ambassador to Vienna Maurice Makoloo, Principal Secretary for Cabinet Affairs Idris Dakota; Principal Secretary for Agriculture Paul Ronoh and Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo.
On Tuesday, the Kenyan delegation held a high-level meeting with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Secretary Wright reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya, particularly in enhancing the country's nuclear regulatory capacity and advancing peaceful nuclear applications in sectors such as energy, health, agriculture, and national security.
He also announced plans for a U.S. delegation to visit Kenya next year to assess progress in the country’s nuclear programme.
The IAEA General Conference continues to serve as a critical platform for global dialogue and cooperation in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
