Kenya has restated its commitment to ensuring nuclear energy and nuclear weapons are not used in the continent.
This was when stakeholders in the Energy sector convened on Saturday to commemorate the 14th Anniversary of the African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone treaty.
The treaty is called the Treaty of Pelindaba.
The Treaty of Pelindaba is the international agreement that establishes Africa as a zone free of nuclear weapons, hence contributing to peace and security in Africa.
The event took place at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi under the auspices of the Kenyan government.
Former Prisons Commissioner Wycliffe Ogola, while speaking on behalf of Energy CS Davis Chirchir, reiterated Kenya's stand against possession of nuclear weapons adding that Kenya recognises the pivotal role the treaty plays in protecting civilians against nuclear weapons.
Ogola noted that Kenya recently enacted the Nuclear Regulatory Act 29 of 2019.
"The Act has committed the country to exclusively exclude uses of nuclear technology, recognising the need to meet Kenya's obligation under various international considerations and criminalised access to nuclear material and radiation sources," Ogola said.
He called for more forums to allow for the exchange of ideas on how to ensure nuclear weapons and technology are not used in Africa.
Ogola said the commemoration of the 14 anniversary of the Treaty of Pelindaba was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and challenges in implementing the treaty's objectives.
"It is also an opportunity to reflect on the prospects for African development through the agency of nuclear energy," he said.
He added that the events also served as a reminder that it is now a good time to begin deliberate action on Africa's need to sustainably and independently have more access to the benefits of nuclear energy.
"This will urgently continental priorities such as energy poverty, food security, human health and environmental protection," Ogola said.
