Speaker
Description
Kenya is considering the development of a nuclear power programme for electricity generation in order to address the increasing national energy needs. The programme is currently in the second phase of implementation in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) milestone approach. One of the major infrastructure issues being developed is radioactive waste management. Currently, the bulk of radioactive waste generated in Kenya is disused sealed and unsealed radioactive sources. Small volumes of additional waste are also generated through the use of radioactive sources in medicine, industry, and research. However, with the planned introduction of nuclear power in Kenya, the radioactive waste from nuclear power generation will be orders of magnitude higher (in quantity, toxicity and half-life) than the waste generated from medical, research, and industrial practices. A national policy and strategy for managing radioactive waste and spent fuel is important as it sets out the nationally agreed position and/or plan for managing spent fuel and radioactive waste. It is also a visible evidence of the concern and intent of the government and the relevant national organizations to ensure that radioactive waste and spent fuel are properly taken care of. The absence of explicit policies and strategies can result in lack of transparency and accountability. There is, therefore, a need to develop a robust policy and strategy for the safe, secure and safeguard-able management of radioactive waste and spent fuel. The proposed national policy and strategy framework for Kenya takes into account a variety of technical and managerial elements/aspects that will ensure the radioactive waste, including spent fuel, from the nuclear power plants, is managed sustainably in the long-term so as to avoid imposing an undue burden on future generations.
| Country or International Organization | Kenya |
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