Kenya, US teams step up bid to curb the smuggling of nuclear materials

Jason Padilla of the US Department of Energy (second right) when he handed over a radiological detection equipment to the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority chairman Omondi Anyanga (second left). [Courtesy]

The government has stepped up efforts to stem the smuggling of dangerous nuclear material through the borders.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) said yesterday that it will work with partners in adopting the latest technology to detect radioactive material and deter misuse.

The agency will work with the Customs, police and other law enforcement agencies in tightening checks at points of entry, including at the container terminal depots at the Port of Mombasa.

The agency's officials spoke in Nairobi while receiving equipment for detection and identification of nuclear materials donated by the US.

Mr Jason Padilla, Senior Technical Advisor and US Department of Energy Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence Country Manager for Kenya, handed over the equipment to KNRA chairman Omondi Anyanga and Acting Director General James Keter.

Anyanga lauded the US for collaborating with Kenya in improving the technical systems for the detection and identification of nuclear and other radioactive materials.

"KNRA is keen to explore other areas of partnership with local and international partners that are geared towards providing a safe and secure environment for the public against materials that are out of regulatory control," he said.

"We will continue exploring working relationships with entities locally and internationally while borrowing and learning from best practices. The authority believes safety in harnessing nuclear technology is sacrosanct."

Padilla said his organisation was implementing projects, jointly with the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Maritime Authority and other security agencies, aimed at deterring and detecting harmful nuclear and radioactive material before possible use by non-state actors. KNRA, a successor of the Radiation Protection Board (RPB), is charged with providing protection of persons, property and the environment against harmful effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation through the establishment of a system of regulatory control.