Kenya nuclear regulator emphasizes safety and waste management

The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) has emphasized that any future nuclear power projects must strictly adhere to safety standards and legal requirements before construction begins. During parliamentary hearings, KNRA Director General James Keter noted that while the country seeks to join four international nuclear safety conventions to enhance oversight and emergency assistance, these treaties will not bypass the need for environmental impact studies or public consultations.

KenGen is identified as the likely owner of future nuclear facilities, though the regulator noted that no formal requests for design or construction permissions have been filed yet. Lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the necessity of community outreach and public education to prevent opposition in potential site locations such as Siaya and Kwale counties.

Parallel to these regulatory discussions, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently concluded an eight-day ARTEMIS mission to assess Kenya’s arrangements for radioactive waste management, spent fuel, and decommissioning. The mission highlighted the need for robust technical frameworks to manage hazardous materials throughout the lifecycle of planned projects, including a proposed research reactor at Konza Technopolis and power projects in Siaya County.