ABDULRAZAK: Peaceful nuclear technology must serve development without compromising safety or public trust

When many Africans hear the word nuclear, they still associate it with danger or weapons. Yet across Kenya and the continent, nuclear science is already delivering measurable development gains — saving lives, protecting food systems, securing water supplies and strengthening industry. The numbers increasingly speak for themselves.

At the centre of this progress is Africa’s partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with Kenya emerging as a strategic beneficiary of peaceful nuclear applications since 1965. Currently, 50 African countries are benefiting through technical cooperation.

Cancer is now among Kenya’s leading causes of premature death. The Ministry of Health estimates that over 42,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with treatment costs pushing thousands of households into poverty.

Before domestic radiotherapy expansion, many Kenyan patients sought treatment abroad — at an average cost of Sh3–6 million per patient, including travel and accommodation.

By expanding radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services locally, Kenya is saving an estimated Sh2–3 billion annually in avoided overseas treatment costs alone. The situation has improved under the Social Health Authority (SHA), where cancer care is included in the medical benefits package.

IAEA-supported radiotherapy investments typically range between $4–6 million (Sh516 million to Sh774 million) per centre. However, economic analyses show that every dollar invested in radiotherapy can yield up to $5–7 (Sh645 to Sh903) in economic returns through lives saved, productivity preserved and reduced long-term healthcare costs.

In Kenya’s case, earlier cancer diagnosis and treatment are estimated to increase five-year survival rates by 20–40 per cent; preserve tens of thousands of productive work years; and reduce catastrophic household health spending by over 30 per cent.

As IAEA director general Rafael Grossi has said, radiotherapy is “essential health infrastructure, not a luxury.” For Kenya, it is also a fiscally sound investment.

Kenya loses an estimated Sh300–400 billion annually (two to three per cent of GDP) to drought-related impacts on agriculture, energy and water supply. Failed boreholes alone can cost counties Sh5–20 million per project.

Nuclear isotope hydrology helps identify viable aquifers before drilling, reducing failure rates by 30–50 per cent. For arid counties, this translates into hundreds of millions of shillings saved in avoided dry boreholes and emergency water trucking.

In agriculture, nuclear-assisted irrigation optimisation can reduce water use by up to 40 per cent while maintaining yields. For Kenya’s irrigated agriculture sector — valued at over Sh120 billion annually — this represents: lower energy and pumping costs; increased climate resilience; and reduced conflict over scarce water resources.

Agriculture remains Kenya’s economic backbone, yet climate change, pests and declining soil fertility threaten food security. Nuclear science is helping farmers respond.

Radiation-induced mutation breeding has produced improved crop varieties across Africa — more drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and higher yielding. Kenya continues to benefit from nuclear techniques that optimise fertiliser and water use, cutting costs while improving productivity.

Agriculture contributes about 22 per cent of Kenya’s GDP and employs over 60 per cent of the population. Nuclear soil and fertiliser optimisation techniques have demonstrated: 20–30 per cent reduction in fertiliser use; and yield increases of 10–25 per cent in pilot areas.

For Kenyan farmers, fertiliser accounts for up to 30 per cent of production costs. Even a 20 per cent reduction translates into billions of shillings saved annually on the national scale, while reducing soil degradation and water pollution.

Pest control using nuclear techniques offers further savings. The Sterile Insect Technique reduces pesticide use by 50–70 per cent, cutting input costs while protecting export markets. Kenya’s horticulture sector alone earns over Sh150 billion per year, and compliance with pesticide residue standards is critical for EU and UK access. Use of nuclear techniques ensures lower inputs and higher yields. Over several years, this technology has been set up at Kalro; what is needed is to scale it up.

Non-destructive testing using nuclear techniques prevents structural failures in pipelines, factories and transport systems. Infrastructure failures and industrial accidents cost Kenya tens of billions of shillings annually in repairs, lost output and insurance claims. Preventive inspection can: reduce accident risk by up to 40 per cent; extend infrastructure lifespan by 10–20 years; and cut maintenance costs by 15–25 per cent. The University of Nairobi and the Kenya Bureau of Standards have benefited in this area.

For energy, transport and manufacturing sectors, these savings far exceed the modest cost of nuclear inspection technologies. Kenya wants to expand from the current 3,300 MW to 10,000; nuclear can easily contribute at least 6,000 MW through conventional reactors or small modular reactors.

Kenya’s investment in nuclear regulation, safety systems and radioactive waste management ensures that benefits are delivered responsibly. Borehole disposal for disused radioactive sources costs a fraction of traditional storage facilities, making it a cost-effective, long-term solution for a country with limited waste volumes.

I have consistently emphasised that peaceful nuclear technology must serve development without compromising safety or public trust — a position aligned with international best practice.

When the figures are added up, peaceful nuclear science in Kenya saves billions of shillings annually in healthcare costs; reduces drought and water-management losses; lowers farm input costs while increasing yields; protects export earnings and industrial assets; and preserves lives, productivity and public finances.

These are not speculative benefits. They are measurable returns on strategic investment. As Rafael Grossi has observed, “Africa does not need promises; it needs partnerships that deliver.” Kenya’s experience shows that peaceful nuclear science is not only delivering — it is paying for itself many times over. Going forward, the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation is creating a cluster approach to use emerging technologies for socioeconomic transformation.

PS, Science, Research and Innovation. [email protected]