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Kenya has started searching for the most secure and safest technology as it plans to put up the first nuclear power plant by 2034.
Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo said in the race to start construction of the plant by 2027, the agency’s focus will be to safeguard the best interests of Kenya as it discusses with different vendors the most appropriate, advanced and secure technology for the country.
“We will work both bilaterally and multilaterally through IAEA to get the right technology for Kenya which is both reliable and affordable,” said Wabuyabo.
He added that Kenya will also choose the latest technologies in plant operations.
During his trip to China last week, Wabuyabo met several players in nuclear technology including manufacturers and leaders from whom he sought support for Kenya’s nuclear programs including research reactor projects, training of local engineers in nuclear technology and cancer treatment equipment.
In Beijing, Wabuyabo attended the International Conference on Enhancing the Operational Safety of Nuclear Power Plants organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The forum, he said, was an eye-opener as it provided an opportunity to get to know the strides the world is making in ensuring the safe use of nuclear energy.
He noted that the main priority for all those involved in the nuclear industry is safety.
“The conference highlighted enhancements in operational safety management at all stages of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) with the overarching goal of ensuring safe, secure, efficient and reliable long-term operation of the plants,” said the NuPEA boss.
The forum, he stated, highlighted the need for new and existing power plants to be operated by skilled, trained and competent personnel and led by effective leaders.
In a note released ahead of the international event, the organizers called on nuclear power owners and operators to maintain the highest standards of safety while striving to improve plant performance through technical and organizational changes, such as plant modernization, improved life management, power upgrades and outage optimization.
Wabuyabo said the conference was also an opportunity to share information and experiences related to enhancing NPP operational safety during commissioning and start-up as well as in the ongoing operations and long-term operations.
The participants at the conference were drawn from diverse realms related to nuclear technology, including representatives of new and existing nuclear operators, regulators, technical support organizations, construction companies and other like-minded organizations.
“The conference was useful in enabling us to understand more about the need to provide responsible leadership of Kenya’s nuclear power program,” Wabuyabo said, adding that “to enable us to deliver the program safely we must develop the right skill set among Kenyans.”
Delivering the first nuclear power plant in Kenya will need commitment, partnerships and innovative ideas, the CEO said “We seek to work with partners who are ready to safeguard our interests and work with us the whole journey,” he noted.
