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Developing Kenya’s Educational Capacity in Nuclear Security Through Nuclear Forensics Research

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Abstract

Nuclear energy’s distinctive characteristics give rise to special educational requirements. These requirements are necessary to not only address the danger of nuclear proliferation, but also to build capacity for a secure nuclear fuel circle. In this paper, I assess the status of educational capacity in nuclear security both in response to, and in support of, Kenya’s nuclear power program. I highlight the nuclear security educational infrastructure’s key features in the context of nuclear power, noting the low capacity at Kenyan universities. I identify the steps required to ensure that the country’s dynamic nuclear regulatory infrastructural framework is used effectively to build capacity in nuclear security. I then examine the link between nuclear security and nuclear forensics and discuss efforts toward developing educational capacity in nuclear security through forensics research at the University of Nairobi, emphasizing in-field nuclear forensics and management of nuclear and radioactive materials out of statutory control. Finally, I consider the research challenges and solutions, which include developing a National Nuclear Forensic Library as a database for illicit trafficking or incidents that involve nuclear and radioactive material. I conclude that, despite the challenges, progress is underway but can be accelerated by promoting broader stakeholder involvement and government buy-in for more comprehensive educational capacity building in nuclear security.

Keywords: Education Capacity, Nuclear Security, Nuclear Forensics

How to Cite:

Angeyo, H. K., (2018) “Developing Kenya’s Educational Capacity in Nuclear Security Through Nuclear Forensics Research”, International Journal of Nuclear Security 4(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7290/ijns040102