吃瓜头条 has officially launched the Postgraduate Course on Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety, a flagship initiative jointly hosted with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA). The high-profile opening ceremony brought together participants from 14 African countries, underscoring Kenya鈥檚 growing role in advancing nuclear safety and regulatory standards.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Piero Michael Ngungi, Executive Dean, SPAS, conveyed greetings on behalf of Prof. Paul Wainaina, Ph.D. He officially opened the training and read the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 speech, describing the programme as an extensive journey towards building capacity in nuclear safety. The message highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration, anchored in the memorandum of understanding between KNRA and KU. He further acknowledged IAEA鈥檚 continued support and affirmed that KU鈥檚 Department of Physics is well equipped with the expertise and resources needed to host such specialised training.
On behalf of KNRA, Mr. James Keter Chumba, Director General, commended the diverse representation of nationalities and applauded the IAEA for its unwavering support. He described the course as a strategic engagement in advancing nuclear safety across Africa, structured around IAEA standards with both theory and practical components. Mr. Chumba urged participants to make the most of the five-and-a-half-month programme, which he termed a crucial step in building safer and more sustainable nuclear practices.
Delivering introductory remarks, Mr. Isaac Mundia, Course Director, welcomed participants to the second cohort, noting with pride the improved gender balance, with more women represented compared to the inaugural group. He reaffirmed KNRA鈥檚 commitment to strengthening radiation safety and capacity building in the region.
Joining virtually, Dr. Felix Wanjala of the Division of Technical Operations emphasised that 12% of the Technical Cooperation budget had been allocated to safety, reflecting the importance of secure use of radiation for health and economic development. He called for the establishment of infrastructure and safeguards that ensure radiation technologies deliver benefits to patients without unnecessary risks, while encouraging participants to leverage the training to network, collaborate, and share knowledge.
In his welcoming address, Dr. Raphael Nyege, Chairman of the Department of Physics, expressed gratitude to the participants and recalled the growth of the programme from 13 participants in 2023 to 30 in the current intake. He also acknowledged KU鈥檚 strong academic foundation, advanced training hospital, and highly qualified staff who will guide the participants through the course.
The ceremony, steered by Prof. Nadir O. Hashim, Course Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies, featured the Kenyan, East African Community, and 吃瓜头条 anthems, setting a tone of unity and pride for the gathering. A vote of thanks concluded the session, extending appreciation to KU management, KNRA, IAEA, and all stakeholders whose efforts made the training possible. Participants were warmly welcomed to Kenya and invited to enjoy their stay as they embark on this transformative journey.
The event ended with a group photo, marking the official commencement of the five-month training programme designed to equip participants with the expertise to safeguard communities through safe radiation use, transport, and waste management.