State agencies and experts meet over nuclear security

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority Director for Corporate Services Patrick Ataro addresses participants during the nuclear security talks in Nairobi on March 5, 2025/HANDOUT

More than 10 state agencies are taking part in a major security exercise aimed at assessing Kenya’s preparedness to handle nuclear security threats.

The process is being led by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who arrived in Kenya on Monday and met with Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat at Vigilance House, Nairobi.

The undertaking is in line with the IAEA’s International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), which will, in November 2025, evaluate Kenya’s existing frameworks and providing recommendations to enhance nuclear security measures.

IAEA experts led by Mr. Tapani Hack and Mr Moustafa Tall also met with officials from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and the National Counterterrorism Centre.

Also attending are teams from the Interior Ministry, the Kenya Airports Authority, the Ministry of Defense, the National Disaster Management Unit, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The discussions focused on assessing Kenya’s regulatory framework, security infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.

KNRA is leading the process. KNRA Director General James Keter said Kenya would adapt a proactive approach to nuclear security.

“Indeed, we acknowledge the evolving nature of security risks, and Kenya remains open-minded in strengthening its nuclear security landscape,” he said.

Mr Keter, who was represented by Corporate Services Director Patrick Ataro, added. “The insights from the IAEA mission will be invaluable in bolstering our preparedness and ensuring the safe and secure use of nuclear technology in the country."

KNRA Director for Nuclear Security Isaac Mundia said the IPPAS mission, which will take place in November 2025, will provide an opportunity for Kenya to benchmark its nuclear security systems against international best practices. Successful missions have so far been conducted in 108 countries, including Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

Kenya has been making strides in nuclear and radiation technology for various applications, including healthcare, agriculture, and industry. However, with increased use comes the need for robust security measures to prevent potential threats such as nuclear material theft, sabotage, or radiological terrorism.

“The engagement with the IAEA underscores its commitment to upholding international nuclear security standards while fostering collaboration with global institutions. The outcome of the mission is expected to inform future policy adjustments to enhance our overall nuclear security preparedness,” Mr Mundia added.

The missions are conducted globally to help countries identify strengths and gaps in their nuclear security infrastructure. At the conclusion of the mission, the IAEA team is expected to provide a detailed report with recommendations tailored to Kenya’s specific security environment.