Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya marked a significant milestone in national security and public safety with the launch of its first-ever Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) National Action Plan.
The framework, developed collaboratively by the Kenya CBRN National Team and the European Union (EU) CBRN Risk Mitigation Centre of Excellence, aims to enhance preparedness, coordination, and response to emerging CBRN risks in the country.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, described the plan as “a testament to Kenya’s resolve to protect its people, strengthen national systems, and ensure that no emergency finds us unprepared.”
He added that the plan provides an integrated, whole-of-government approach to managing incidents that could threaten public health, the environment, and national stability.
The development of the plan has been informed by previous incidents that tested Kenya’s emergency systems, including the 1998 Nairobi bombing, the 2015 Thange oil spill in Makueni, the Embakasi gas plant explosion, a 2016 anthrax-related plot, and a recent April 2025 Kenya Airways flight that returned to Nairobi following a suspected hazardous biological leak.
Public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also highlighted the need for coordinated preparedness.
“Kenya’s national preparedness and resilience have faced multiple challenges involving hazardous materials, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger coordination and readiness,” Omollo said.
“The Action Plan shifts our approach from reactive measures to a structured, preparedness-focused framework. It strengthens our ability to identify threats, manage risks, and respond swiftly and decisively to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents.”
The plan focuses on strengthening governance structures, enhancing detection and response capabilities, improving infrastructure and specialised equipment, establishing a national inventory system for CBRN materials, raising public awareness, and expanding regional and international cooperation.
The launch comes at a time when Kenya is expanding its national conversation on nuclear energy. The country’s proposed first nuclear power plant in Bondo, Siaya, is expected to generate 1,000 megawatts in its initial phase, with plans to expand to 20,000 megawatts by 2040, contributing to Kenya’s energy security.
“As we move toward clean, reliable nuclear power, it is vital that our national safety framework grows alongside our ambitions. This Action Plan strengthens Kenya’s readiness and ensures that energy development proceeds safely,” Dr. Omollo said.
The event brought together senior government officials, regulatory authorities, emergency responders, healthcare representatives, and international partners.
Government Chemist and National CBRN Focal Point, William Munyoki, highlighted Kenya’s commitment to global disarmament, non-proliferation, and responsible management of hazardous materials.
“The launch of the plan builds on years of multi-agency collaboration under the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence, culminating in a framework ready for implementation,” he said.
James Keter, Head of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, described the plan as “a coordinated, resolute approach to CBRN preparedness and response” and noted that its development involved extensive consultation and validation.
Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Mission at the European Union Delegation to Kenya, emphasised the EU’s support for the initiative, calling it “a roadmap for protecting Kenyan citizens and strengthening regional resilience.”
The plan will now be implemented across relevant government agencies, guided by Kenya’s constitutional mandate under Article 238 on national security and aligned with the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy. It will also contribute to regional security efforts through the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence framework.
The launch was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, alongside members of the CBRN National Team and other stakeholders.
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