The International Atomic Energy Agency delivered the final report from its Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, conducted in August 2015, to the Government of Kenya last week. The report concludes that Kenya is making notable progress in developing the infrastructure needed to make a knowledgeable decision to embark on a nuclear power programme.
The report presents the findings and recommendations of an IAEA-led team of international experts who reviewed Kenya's progress in developing the national infrastructure for a nuclear power programme, upon invitation of the Kenyan Government.
In a meeting with Kenya's Minister of Mining Dan Kazungu and other high-level government officials, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy Mikhail Chudakov acknowledged Kenya's transparency and cooperation throughout the process of conducting the INIR mission. "A major task in the coming years will be to complete the establishment of key goals and requirements to guide the nuclear power programme," said Mr Chudakov. This includes areas such as the nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management, industrial involvement and nuclear power plant ownership and financing.
Kenya has an existing legal and regulatory framework covering radiation sources in agriculture, medicine, industry and research. "The main recommendations in the INIR mission report point out that Kenya should further develop its legal and regulatory framework for the nuclear power programme," Mr Chudakov pointed out. Finalizing a single bill to cover all nuclear regulatory matters and determine the approach for regulatory oversight of the nuclear power programme will pave the way for further developing the safety, security and safeguards infrastructure, including identifying the potential senior leadership for regulatory oversight.
The report also recommends that Kenya completes various planning activities to prepare for the next phase, such as establishing the necessary human resources, management systems, procurement and contract management, leadership development and safety and security culture programmes.
Kenya is considering to introduce nuclear power to help meet its growing energy demand. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of Kenya proposed the potential use of nuclear energy for power generation and established the Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board (KNEB) to undertake preparations towards developing and implementing a nuclear power programme.
The INIR mission report identifies several good practices that may benefit other countries considering the introduction of nuclear power, such as preparing a comprehensive feasibility study that considered all 19 infrastructure issues of the IAEA Milestones Approach; identifying the activities to be funded in the infrastructure development, which allows the country to make an early evaluation of the costs involved; and making a notable investment in human resource development across the competence areas relevant for nuclear power.
"The IAEA encourages Kenya to finalize a national action plan to respond to the INIR recommendations," said Mr Chudakov. "We offer targeted technical assistance in key areas. However, moving the nuclear power programme forward is the responsibility of Kenya."
The Kenyan government representatives emphasized that in addition to other sources of energy, nuclear technology for electricity generation will play a significant role as the country progresses towards attainment of the Kenya Vision 2030, the national development programme.
About INIR Missions:
Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with IAEA and international experts about experiences and best practices in different countries. In developing its recommendations, the INIR team takes into account the comments of all relevant national organizations. Implementing any of the INIR's recommendations is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State to develop an action plan to fill the gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national infrastructure for a nuclear power programme.