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The Kenyan Young Generation in Nuclear held a successful StandUp4Nuclear (SU4N) – Nuclear Energy advocacy street event at the Agha khan Walk, Nairobi. The SU4N is an international event spearheaded by Stand Up for Nuclear organisations to advocate for the peaceful uses of Nuclear and Non-Proliferation.
The SU4N event attracted over 40 nuclear professionals from various Nuclear fields including Health, Academia, Industry, Regulatory Authority, Agriculture and Climate Change. Nuclear application plays a critical role in Kenya especially in the treatment of cancers and diagnoses of diseases.
According to Raphael Chesori, The President of KYGN network, youths are the pillars of ensuring nuclear application succeeds
“We are the young people of this country, the future generation will hold us accountable if we fail to implement the peaceful uses of Nuclear applications. Nuclear is the Future of Technology. All sectors of our economy should be encouraged to apply the peaceful uses of Nuclear Science and Technology.” Said Mr. Raphael Chesori
Dr. Everlyne Achieng, the SU4N Event coordinator, on her part said Kenya is an economic powerhouse and more developed compared to other Eastern African countries. The growing economy comes with higher energy demands than what the conventional sources can provide.
“This calls for a more Sustainable, Carbon-free and Reliable source of energy. Nuclear Energy is the best solution to our energy crisis in Kenya. Just a few months ago, homes, institutions and industries were faced with a black-out. This is unacceptable in such a developed country. Power surges derail our economy and create business losses and time wastage. We have to choose Nuclear if we want Sustainable Economic Development” said Dr. Everlyne Achieng, the SU4N Event coordinator.
Kenya is also quickly building its capacity on Nuclear Professionals. Every year, the IAEA, Rosatom, ISTC among other development partners provide full scholarships to young Kenyan professionals to train, study and develop careers in the Nuclear Science and Technology field. These trainings are effected through short courses, masters and PhD scholarships.
Young nuclear professionals are also facilitated to participate in scientific conferences to present their research and also contribute in organising and running important conference sessions.
As young nuclear professionals network, we believe Kenya is ready for Nuclear Energy to meet its energy demands and boost economic growth in the region. South Africa has done it, Kenya can also do it. Nuclear is indeed the future of Technology.
