Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation
The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) convened a stakeholder engagement session on October 14, 2025, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies to review and discuss the draft Nuclear Science and Technology Policy and the Kenya Atomic Energy Agency Bill. Key government officials, experts, and stakeholders participated in detailed deliberations covering the policy’s strategic framework and the agency’s regulatory mandate. This engagement paved the way for the Government of Kenya to launch the landmark policy and enact the Kenya Atomic Energy Agency Act, advancing the country’s ambitions for peaceful nuclear development aligned with Vision 2030.
The session featured a presentation by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, who outlined the draft policy. This was followed by technical reviews of key chapters, moderated by Patrick Okoth and Hilda Mpakany. In the afternoon, discussions on regulatory and implementation aspects were led, concluding with recommendations and closing remarks from committee chair Situma.
The Nuclear Science and Technology Policy outlined initiatives to harness nuclear technology for energy diversification, healthcare improvement, agricultural enhancement, water resource management, industry, and research. It aimed to establish Kenya’s first national research reactor by 2030 to support medical isotope production, advanced research, and training. The policy also targeted increased access to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy to address Kenya’s growing cancer burden.
Challenges such as funding, workforce skills, public acceptance, and infrastructural gaps were addressed through capacity building, institutional strengthening, and legal framework enactment. The creation of the Kenya Atomic Energy Agency provided regulatory oversight, safety protocols, and the establishment of institutes dedicated to nuclear research and applications.
The Kenya Atomic Energy Agency Act ensured the agency’s authority to regulate peaceful nuclear activities, manage radiation safety, and oversee environmental protection. Financial provisions included government funding, loans, fees, donations, and tax exemptions. Governance mechanisms promoted transparency, accountability, and operational immunity balanced with responsibility for damages. The Principal Secretary was empowered to enforce necessary regulations.
Kenya’s commitment to responsible nuclear development was further underscored by plans to ratify international treaties on nuclear safety and non-proliferation. The policy positioned Kenya as a regional leader in leveraging nuclear science for socio-economic development while ensuring safety, security, and public confidence.
This comprehensive framework marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s pursuit of sustainable development through advanced nuclear technology applications across multiple sectors.