By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kenya has held discussions
with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on strengthening the
country’s nuclear power programme and expanding the peaceful application of
nuclear science and technology to healthcare, agriculture, climate action and other
areas of socioeconomic development.
The discussions were led by
Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s State Department for
Science, Research and Innovation, during an engagement with IAEA Deputy
Director General Liu Hua.
Abdulrazak said the meeting
focused on advancing Kenya’s nuclear power agenda, expanding the use of
radiation medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and strengthening
the country’s capacity to use nuclear technology in addressing development
challenges.
The discussions also covered
climate adaptation and mitigation, food safety, food security and sovereignty,
as well as safety and security considerations surrounding nuclear technology.
Artificial intelligence also
featured in the discussions through the concept of “Atoms for Algorithm,”
reflecting the potential for combining nuclear science and emerging digital
technologies to support research, innovation and development.
Capacity building and
training were identified as key areas of focus, with the engagement
highlighting the importance of developing the skills and institutional
capabilities required to support Kenya’s growing science and technology
ambitions.
Abdulrazak said the IAEA
Technical Cooperation Programme plays a fundamental role in helping member
states, including Kenya, advance the peaceful uses of nuclear science and
technology for socioeconomic transformation.
The areas discussed align
with Kenya’s broader research, innovation, healthcare, energy and technology
priorities, including initiatives involving the National Research Fund Kenya,
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, National
Cancer Institute of Kenya and Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and
Technology.
