Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA

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Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA KNRA is a successor of the former Radiation Protection Board (RPB), which was founded in 1986.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority is a public entity established to provide protection of persons, property & the environment against the harmful effects of ionizing & non-ionizing radiation through the establishment of a system of regulatory control. Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA),formerly Radiation Protection Board (RPB), is a public entity established under Section 5 of the Nuclear Regulatory Act No. 29 of 2019, which commenced on 10th January 2020, to provide protection of persons, property and the environment against the harmful effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation through the establishment of a system of regulatory control. Powers and responsibilities of the former RPB are now vested with KNRA under expanded regulatory scope. The Nuclear Regulatory Act No. 29 of 2019 gives KNRA powers to grant, amend and revoke authorisations, and to impose such conditions upon authorisation holders as it deems necessary. Our History

The first radiation protection law in Kenya, then a colony and protectorate of the United Kingdom, was passed in 1948. This law, referred to as the “Radiation Protection Ordinance-1948” established a Radiological Protection Board composed of the Director of Medical Services as Chairperson, the Chief Radiologist and one medical specialist as members. On 29th December, 1982, the Parliament passes the Radiation Protection Act (Cap 243 of the Laws of Kenya) which came into force on 1st November, 1984, followed by the establishment of the Radiation Protection Board on 25th November, 1986 under the Ministry of Health. The current legislation establishing the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority was enacted by the National Assembly on 27th December 2019 and came into force on 10th January, 2020. Vision
To be an effective, efficient and sustainable regulatory authority for the peaceful and safe use of atomic energy. Mission
To regulate the peaceful use of atomic energy through the promotion of a radiation safety culture for the protection of persons, society and the environment against the hazards of radiation. Values
KNRA adheres to the values of Professionalism, Openness and Transparency, Integrity, Customer Service, Excellence, and Teamwork.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA hosted Year 11 Physics and Chemistry students from St Christopher’s Internatio...
16/09/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA hosted Year 11 Physics and Chemistry students from St Christopher’s International School for an educational visit to the Central Radioactive Waste Processing Facility (CRWPF).

The visit allowed students to connect their studies with practical applications of nuclear science, radiation safety, and radioactive waste management.

During the visit, the students, who were accompanied by their teachers, were briefed on KNRA’s role in protecting people, property and the environment through effective regulatory control of radiation and nuclear technology.

KNRA’s Senior Principal Nuclear Inspector Eric Ngotho who received the team, praised the engagement saying that building awareness and developing the next generation of professionals are important ways of strengthening the country’s capability. KNRA continues to provide opportunities for students and academic institutions to engage with practitioners, visit specialised facilities and gain exposure to nuclear science beyond the classroom.

This commitment extends beyond secondary education. KNRA is also the host of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Postgraduate Educational Course (PGEC) in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources, which provides specialised theoretical and practical training for professionals in radiation protection. These engagements contribute to developing Kenya’s human capital and national expertise in radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has conc...
11/09/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has concluded a five-day National Workshop on Developing and Implementing Nuclear Security Measures for Major Public Events.

The workshop brought together a multi-disciplinary team from the National Disaster Management Unit, Kenya Defense Forces, National Police Service, Sports Kenya Security and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to potential radiological and nuclear security threats during major public events.

A key component of the workshop was a series of practical simulation exercises, which enabled participants to apply the knowledge gained during the technical sessions to realistic major-event security scenarios. The exercises tested threat identification, risk assessment and communication, inter-agency coordination and response, while helping to identify operational gaps and areas for further improvement.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Brett Grossman (USA), Mr. Abderrahim Allach (Morocco), Mr. Lacina Soro (Côte d’Ivoire), and Mr. Roger Apio (Ghana), who shared technical expertise and practical experience in developing and implementing nuclear security measures for major public events.
Speaking at the close of the workshop, Mr. Lacina Soro of the IAEA highlighted the development of the National Action Plan as a key outcome of the programme. He emphasized that the value of the plan would ultimately be measured by its implementation, underscoring the need to move from planning on paper to practical action. The next phase will therefore focus on putting the plan into practice, testing its effectiveness through exercises and continuously strengthening Kenya’s preparedness.

KNRA Director General, James Keter,EBS, emphasized the need for a proper security architecture for major public events, supported by strong inter-agency coordination. He also highlighted the need for a CBRNe approach to ensure Kenya is prepared to address the full spectrum of potential threats.
Mr. Keter noted, “Nuclear security is a shared responsibility. As Kenya prepares to host increasingly high-profile events, KNRA will continue to work with national security and other stakeholders to strengthen preparedness, coordination and response capabilities.”

The knowledge, practical experience and strengthened inter-agency coordination gained through the programme will contribute to Kenya’s preparedness for major international gatherings, including AFCON 2027, while supporting efforts to safeguard participants, spectators and the wider public.
KNRA remains committed to working with the IAEA and national stakeholders to advance effective and sustainable nuclear security measures as part of Kenya’s broader public safety and security preparedness.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, with the support of the European Union through the Expertise France Group (AF...
09/09/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, with the support of the European Union through the Expertise France Group (AFD), is undertaking a capacity-building and follow-up support programme aimed at strengthening nuclear safety and radiation protection in Kenya.

A key component of the programme is supporting the development and implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS) for KNRA. The IMS will integrate safety, quality, leadership, accountability and other organisational practices into a systematic way of working, strengthening the Authority’s institutional capacity, safety culture and effectiveness in fulfilling its regulatory mandate.

The workshop provides an important opportunity for KNRA to take stock of progress, identify areas requiring further attention and strengthen ownership and implementation of the IMS across the Authority. A key outcome will be an updated KNRA IMS Roadmap, providing clear direction for the continued development, implementation and continual improvement of the Authority’s management system.

Opening the workshop on behalf of the Director General James Keter,EBS, KNRA Director of Licensing and Standards, Shadrack Kiti, emphasised that developing an Integrated Management System (IMS) goes beyond putting policies and procedures in place. He noted that it is about establishing a systematic way of working that integrates safety, quality, leadership, accountability, security, environmental considerations and continual improvement into the way KNRA conducts its business. He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that the IMS is “not merely documented, but understood, implemented, owned and lived across the Authority.”

The workshop brings together international experts, including Taib Marfak of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security; Ahmed Eldala of the Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority; Clemens Heitsch of Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit (GRS) gGmbH, Germany; and Radim Doleal of the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB), Czech Republic. Mr. Benoit Bernard, an expert from Bel V, the Belgian Technical Safety Organisation is the Task Leader for the programme.
Representing KNRA are John Opar, Director of Compliance, and Mark Oloo, Deputy Director, Communication, alongside other officers participating in the workshop.

The initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening national regulatory infrastructure and advancing the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology and ionising radiation.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosti...
07/09/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a five-day National Workshop on Developing and Implementing Nuclear Security Measures for Major Public Events. This strategic programme brings together a multi-disciplinary team including senior officials from the National Disaster Management Unit, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and Sports Kenya Security to enhance Kenya’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to potential radiological and nuclear threats during high-profile gatherings.

Delivering his opening remarks, the IAEA's Lacina Soro while thanking the Government of Kenya for hosting this event, expressed strong confidence that the workshop will significantly fortify Kenya's capabilities for upcoming global events.
Isaac Mundia, KNRA Director of Nuclear Safety and Security, emphasized that the technical training reinforces the Authority's commitment to national security. He challenged participants to fully engage in interactive sessions, ask tough questions, and leverage the insights of the present international experts. Brett Grossman (USA), Abderrahim Allach (Morocco), Mr. Soro (Côte d'Ivoire), and Rodger Apio (Ghana) will facilitate the conference.

The platform directly targets the complex challenges of managing large-scale crowds, specifically focusing on mitigating threats from the unauthorized or malicious use of radioactive materials. By embedding nuclear security tightly into the national defense architecture, the resulting risk assessments and tactical coordination will provide a foundational pillar for water-tight safety at venues during major public events such as the upcoming AFCON 2027.

Security teams are drawing from crowd management lessons from the recent CHAN tournament to fix gate vulnerabilities and secure stadium perimeters ahead of these major upcoming fixtures.

Participants attending a five-day training programme on nuclear safeguards have visited the Central Radioactive Waste Pr...
28/08/2026

Participants attending a five-day training programme on nuclear safeguards have visited the Central Radioactive Waste Processing Facility (CRWPF) in Oloolua, Ngong, for a practical exercise on nuclear material accountancy and control.

The training, hosted by the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, and Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), seeks to strengthen nuclear material accounting and control systems, as well as national non-proliferation infrastructure.

During the visit, participants were taken through safeguards inspection expectations for both the regulator and operator, providing them with practical insights into the implementation and verification of nuclear material controls.

The training, which is being held in Nairobi from 24 to 28 August 2026, will culminate in the award of safeguards certification to participants.

Meanwhile, the CRWPF is also hosting an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Regional Training Course on the conditioning of Category 3 to 5 Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS).

As part of the course, participants are undertaking practical training on the dismantling, removal and disposal of nucleonic gauges. The procedure involves radioactive sources and is therefore subject to strict safety requirements, specialized technical expertise and certified regulatory oversight.

The concurrent training programmes underscore the importance of building technical capacity and strengthening regulatory and operational systems for the safe, secure and responsible management of nuclear and radioactive materials.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in partnership with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a r...
25/08/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA, in partnership with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a regional training course to strengthen the safe management of radioactive sources that are no longer in use.

The five-day Regional Training Course on Conditioning of Category 3 to 5 Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) is being held from August 24 to 28, 2026, at the Central Radioactive Waste Processing Facility (CRWPF) in Oloolua, Ngong.

The training brings together participants from across Africa and IAEA technical experts for both classroom instruction and hands-on training on the conditioning of disused radioactive sources.

The focus is on one of the less visible but important aspects of nuclear safety: ensuring radioactive sources remain safely controlled after they have reached the end of their useful life.
Although sealed radioactive sources gradually lose their activity, they do not immediately become harmless. If they are not properly secured and managed once disused, they can pose risks to human health and the environment.

Participants are being trained in conditioning, which involves stabilising and encapsulating disused sources so they can be safely stored or prepared for disposal.

The course also provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen practical skills, exchange experience and align their practices with IAEA safety standards.

For Kenya, the training highlights KNRA’s role in strengthening nuclear and radiation safety capacity in the region, while supporting efforts to ensure radioactive sources are safely managed throughout their lifecycle, including after they are no longer in use.

14/08/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE | Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA

Implementation of Mandatory Radiation Cargo Screening on the KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP)

Effective Saturday, 15 August 2026, all containerized cargo imported into Kenya will undergo mandatory radiation screening by KNRA. An applicable service charge will apply per container.

The cargo clearance process has been enhanced to a pre-clearance process to improve efficiency, strengthen regulatory compliance, and support seamless, timely clearance of cargo.Transitional arrangements are in place for IDFs processed before 10 August 2026 (with or without successful RPB permit applications).

KNRA will notify the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and request manual intervention where needed to ensure continuity and minimize delays during the transition.Full details are in the attached Public Notice (12 August 2026).

CONTACTS
KNRA: [email protected] | Tel: 0735 968 454
TFP / (KenTrade) Support: [email protected] | Tel: +254-709-950-000 / +254-20-496-5000

We encourage all importers, customs agents, partner government agencies, and stakeholders to take note and prepare accordingly. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA

The Republic of Korea will deepen its cooperation with Kenya on capacity building and technology transfer in the nuclear...
30/07/2026

The Republic of Korea will deepen its cooperation with Kenya on capacity building and technology transfer in the nuclear sector. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, Kang Hyung-shik, says his country values Kenya as ‘partner and a gateway’ to Africa.

Speaking when he met the management of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) on Thursday, the envoy said a major conference will be held in Nairobi in September featuring Korean and Kenyan experts, where further cooperation in the nuclear field will be discussed.

KNRA Director General James Keter, EBS, said the agency was grateful to the Korean government for providing opportunities for Kenyans to train in Korean institutions. “We are honoured that you found time to visit us. We look forward to exploring the many areas we can work together,” Mr Keter said.

The DG called on the ambassador to help broker an MoU between KNRA and the Korean Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, as well as technical expert organisations such as the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety. He was emphatic that such collaboration would provide a platform for knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. Mr Keter reminisced about the days when the Korean flag carrier operated direct flights between Kenya and Korea.

The ambassador was flanked by Secretary Kim Yeonjeong, while DG Keter was accompanied by KNRA Licensing Director Shadrack Kiti, his Compliance counterpart, John Opar and Communications Deputy Director Mark Oloo.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA has kicked off a week-long capacity-building workshop to equip staff with the ...
28/07/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA has kicked off a week-long capacity-building workshop to equip staff with the skills required to install and effectively use the Advanced Regulatory Information System (xARIS), a modern digital platform designed to provide support for the establishment and updating of a National Digital Registry to enhance regulatory control over the use of radiation sources and X-ray generators.

Facilitated by Grigol Basilia under the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership (RSRP), the training has brought together Regional Heads, Nuclear Inspectors and staff drawn from various departments. Also participating are Director of Nuclear Security Isaac Mundia, Director of Licensing and Standards Shadrack Kiti, and Director of Compliance and Enforcement John Opar. The training will provide instruction on the installation and use of the Advanced Regulatory Information System (xARIS), which will serve as Kenya's national digital registry under the country-wide inventory project. Participants will also receive hands-on training on the system's core regulatory modules, including radiation source management, licensing, inspections, occupational dose monitoring, radiation event reporting, database management and user administration.

Opening the workshop on behalf of Director General James Chumba, EBS, Mr Opar thanked staff for their commitment to strengthening the Authority's regulatory capacity through continuous learning. He also expressed appreciation to the USNRC and the Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership for facilitating the training, noting that the implementation of xARIS will enhance the management of regulatory information, improve the efficiency of licensing and inspection processes, strengthen oversight of radiation sources, and support evidence-based decision-making in the regulation of nuclear and radiation activities.

Developed to support nuclear and radiation regulatory authorities, xARIS centralizes information on radiation sources, licensees, authorizations, inspections, occupational dose monitoring and radiation event management into a single digital platform. Through the USNRC-funded Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership, regulatory authorities in partner countries are supported in adopting the system to improve regulatory efficiency, strengthen oversight and align regulatory practices with international safety standards and best practices.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA hosted a high-level consultative meeting with the Nuclear Power Programme Coo...
24/07/2026

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority - KNRA hosted a high-level consultative meeting with the Nuclear Power Programme Coordination Committee, comprising Nuclear Power and Energy Agency - Kenya and KenGen Kenya to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in advancing Kenya's nuclear power programme.

The meeting was led by KNRA Board Chairman Hon. Edick Anyanga and NuPEA Board Chairman Prof. Larry Gumbe, bringing together senior leadership from the participating institutions, including NuPEA Chief Executive Officer Justus Wabuyabo, KNRA Director General James Chumba, EBS, KNRA Board Members Stephen Namusyule and Lt. Col Grace Ajierh, Beatrice Kandie, General Manager Corporate Services at KenGen, as well as KNRA senior management, including Corporation Secretary Beth Mushi and Director Corporate Services, CPA Patrick Ataro.

Discussions focused on the current status of Kenya's Nuclear Power Programme, the regulatory framework guiding nuclear energy development, and the development of a coordinated roadmap to align the mandates of the three institutions.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering Kenya's first nuclear power plant by 2034, while ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and compliance with international best practices.

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KASNEB Towers II, 9th Floor, Off Hospital Road, Upperhill
Nairobi
00202

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Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
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