KDF soldiers tipped on detecting, handling nuclear-related threats

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority chairman Omondi Anyanga, Director General James Keter and Major Charles Mulei in Oloolua, Kajiado County on April 6, 2023. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]

The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and nuclear experts held a training aimed at expanding their capacity to handle threats from chemical, biological and radiological materials.

Thursday's session, facilitated by the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) and attended by 35 members of KDF's disaster response battalion, was held at the agency's lab in Kajiado.

KNRA chairman Omondi Anyanga stressed the need for a multi-agency approach to addressing evolving threats from criminal or unauthorised acts involving nuclear, saying the rise in technological advances meant renewed risks.

"Knowledge is power. As a regulator, we will ensure the KDF community is empowered with knowledge on detection of nuclear and radioactive materials. Prevention, detection and response is key in ensuring a secure country," said Mr Anyanga.

KNRA Director General James Keter said the agency would explore collaborations with various actors to stop criminal elements from acquiring radioactive and nuclear material through smuggling networks.

"The responsibility of keeping the nation safe is enormous. It's been a journey of 10 years to have the lab and the regional centre in place," Mr Keter said.

Major Charles Mulei of the KDF called on State agencies to work together.

"As the last line of defense, we take the call seriously," Major Mulei, who is the battalion's second in command, said.

He announced plans to devolve his team's operations from Embakasi to Kisumu, Isiolo and Mombasa for ease of response. Present at the event were KNRA technical officers John Opar and Erick Mutinda.