Nuclear energy laws in the pipeline

A comprehensive Atomic Energy and Policy Bill is being developed.

The laws will address issues related to peaceful application of nuclear technology, Higher Education minister Prof Margaret Kamar has said.

If adopted, it will lead to the establishment of agencies responsible for regulation, promotion and research of nuclear energy, Prof.Kamar told a meeting of nuclear science and technology experts on Monday.

The agencies include Atomic Energy Commission, Nuclear Electricity Board and Atomic Energy Research Institute.

The minister said the Bill is being subjected to stakeholders in line with the requirement of the Constitution and will soon be presented to the Cabinet.

Prof Kamar said the government is planning to embrace nuclear energy in the next 10 years, noting that in order to meet the energy requirement for the realization of Vision 2030, the current electricity supply will have to be increased.

“We need a lot of training and support from partners,” said the minister who added that nuclear application is also important in the health sector notably in the treatment of cancer.

She made the remarks during the opening of the Africa Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) meeting at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa.

International Atomic Energy Agency deputy director-general Mr Kwaku Aning said nuclear technology is a powerful instrument in supporting development in health and agriculture, among others.

“For us to use it effectively, we have to use it safely; there is need to be careful on safety,” said Mr Aning.

Mr Aning said the agency is willing to help the government with resources in its quest to embrace nuclear technology.

National Council for Science for Science and Technology chief executive officer Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak said public involvement in nuclear technology cannot be ignored.