Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed has said there is need to establish a National Atomic Energy Commission in Kenya.
According to the CS, the Commission would help eliminate the wastage and duplication of efforts that has resulted from the fragmentation of institutions and offices dealing with nuclear science in the country.
“We in Kenya realize that we must establish a National Atomic Energy Commission for our country to coordinate all the work we are doing in different institutions and offices,” said Amina.
“By serving as a one stop shop for all nuclear science and technology activities in the country, the Commission will help minimize duplication, while maximizing efforts in harnessing nuclear technology in the country,” added the CS.
Amina was speaking in Mombasa on Tuesady when she officially opened the meeting of Vice Chancellors and Representatives of regional institutions involved in human resource development in the field of nuclear science in Africa.
The meeting, which brought together Vice Chacellors and nuclear scientists from across Africa, was organized by the Africa Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Stressing the importance of nuclear science, the CS called for establishment of clear legal frameworks, policies as well as regulatory authorities in order to enable Africa tap the full potential of nuclear technology.
She noted that although the country is graduating a large number of students annually, the proportion of those graduating in scientific fields, and especially in nuclear science, is still low.
Speaking during the meeting, the Principal Secretary State Department of University Education and Research Prof. Ntiba said there is need for affirmative action deliberately focused on empowering universities to generate and disseminate knowledge in science and technology.
Ntiba stressed the need to demystify the field of nuclear and other sciences saying they hold the key to the sustainable development of the continent.