An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts completed today the first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission in Kenya.
The IPPAS mission was conducted from 10 to 21 November and was hosted by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA). The six-person mission team reviewed the security of radioactive material, associated facilities and activities in the country.
Kenya uses radiation sources across medical, research, and industrial sectors. The country is preparing to establish its first nuclear research reactor and is considering the development of a nuclear power programme to support growing energy demand.
As part of the review, the IPPAS team visited eight facilities, including the Central Radioactive Waste Processing Facility, Quality Assurance Systems, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the International Livestock Research Institute, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and the Aga Khan University Hospital, which is a privately owned facility used for brachytherapy. The team also visited the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, which promotes the application of research findings and technology in the field of agriculture.
Kenya is party to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment and has expressed its political commitment to the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
The IPPAS team, led by Moustapha Tall, Director of Inspection of the Authority for Radiation Protection, Nuclear Safety and Security of Senegal, included experts from Ghana, Spain, Türkiye, the United States, as well as one IAEA staff member. The team held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Interior, Kenya Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigation, Department of Defence, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
The team noted that Kenya has developed several draft regulations related to the security of nuclear and other radioactive material and encouraged their prompt adoption. To further strengthen its nuclear security framework, the team also encouraged Kenya to establish a more formalized approach to cooperation among the various competent authorities with nuclear security responsibilities.
The team also recommended further efforts to ensure that KNRA has adequate human, financial, and technical resources to fulfil its oversight mission, which will be indispensable for Kenya to be able proceed with embarking on nuclear power. Good practices were identified, which may be used by other IAEA Member States to build long term improvement in global nuclear security.
“The first IPPAS mission in Kenya provided recommendations and suggestions to help the country further enhance its nuclear security procedures and practices,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “The findings are highlighting the importance of a robust regulatory framework for nuclear security, supported by effective coordination and resources.”
“The IPPAS mission is a key step in Kenya’s efforts to enhance nuclear security,” said James Keter, Director General of the KNRA. “The recommendations will help us build stronger nuclear security framework to ensure our nuclear and radioactive materials do not fall in the hands of criminal or terrorist groups and there will be no sabotage on associated facilities and activities. This will protect the members of public and the environment from risks associated with nuclear and radioactive materials.”
Background
The mission was the 109th IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the programme began in 1995.
IPPAS missions are intended to assist States in strengthening their national nuclear security regime. The missions provide peer advice on implementing international instruments, along with IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities.
During missions, a team of international experts observes a nation’s system of physical protection, compares it with international good practices and makes recommendations for improvement. IPPAS missions are conducted both on a nationwide and facility-specific basis.
