NAIROBI, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is working on policy and regulatory frameworks to pave way for creation of a national atomic energy commission, officials said.
Amina Mohamed, the cabinet secretary for education, said establishment of a fully fledged atomic energy commission will facilitate optimal harnessing of nuclear science to tackle challenges like climate change and energy deficiency.
"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," Mohamed said in a statement issued on Tuesday evening.
She spoke during a regional forum held in Mombasa for university scholars involved in skills development in the field of nuclear science.
The forum was organized by Kenya's ministry of education in conjunction with African division of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Mohamed stressed that coherent polices, friendly regulations, capacity development and public awareness are key to enhancing growth of nuclear science in Africa.
"The application of nuclear science and technology avails enormous benefits, including mitigating climate change, enhancing the generation of energy, improving human and animal health and increasing food production," said Mohamed.
She decried outdated policies, inadequate research funding and skills gap that has undermined uptake of nuclear science in Kenya and the wider Sub-Saharan African region.
"It is highly regrettable that we have not effectively harnessed nuclear technology for the benefit of our people," Mohamed said, adding that Kenya has prioritized investments in training of manpower to boost uptake of nuclear science in diverse fields like agriculture, energy and health.
Japheth Ntiba, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of University Education and Research, said that strategic partnerships coupled with funding incentives are required to promote development and application of nuclear science in Africa.
"There is need for affirmative action focused on empowering our institutions of higher learning to generate and disseminate knowledge in nuclear science," Ntiba said.
"Application of nuclear science and technology should be integrated in our continent's sustainable development agenda," he added.
