The Kenyan Young Generation in Nuclear (www.kygnnetwork.org) held a successful StandUp4Nuclear (SU4N) -Nuclear Energy advocacy street event at the Agakhan Walk, Nairobi.
The SU4N is an international event spearheaded by Stand Up for Nuclear organizations 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. The nuclear application plays a critical role in Kenya, especially in the treatment of cancers and diagnoses of diseases.
The President of the KYGN network, Mr. Raphael Chesori, kicked off the day with powerful opening remarks.
“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.”
According to the KYGN, the country is an economic powerhouse and more developed compared to other Eastern African countries.
The growing economy comes with higher energy demands than what 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 blackout.” said Dr. Everlyne Achieng, the SU4N Event co-ordinator.
Dr. Achieng further states that it’s unacceptable in developed countries.
“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”.
Kenya is also quickly building its capacity on Nuclear Professionals. Every year, the IAEA, Rosatom, and ISTC among other development partners provide full scholarships to young Kenyan professionals to train, study and develop careers in Nuclear Science and Technology field.
These pieces of training are effected through short courses, masters, and Ph.D. scholarships. Young nuclear professionals are also facilitated to participate in scientific conferences to present their research and also contribute to organizing and running important conference sessions.
As a young nuclear professionals network, they believe Kenya is ready for Nuclear Energy to meet its energy demands and boost economic growth in the region. They note that if South Africa has done it, Kenya can also do it. Nuclear believes that indeed this is the future of Technology.
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