Kenya has started discussions about strengthening national security against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threats. The forum began in Nairobi on Thursday, bringing together representatives from several government agencies to develop a comprehensive security plan.
These meetings focus on managing crises related to CBRN hazards to protect citizens, assets, and the environment. Representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Government Chemist, Kenya Medical Research Institute, plus the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries emphasized the importance of improving Kenya's readiness for potential threats.
During the two-day event, participants will discuss building capacity within government agencies, reducing risks, cooperating with neighboring countries, developing legal frameworks, and incorporating new technologies for detecting and responding to threats.
James Keter, Director General of KNRA, opened the meeting by highlighting efforts across Eastern and Central Africa to enhance collaboration, including the creation of European Union-funded CBRN Centers of Excellence that help countries improve their response capabilities.
"Because CBRN risks are unpredictable and ever-evolving as technology advances, we must endeavor to increase knowledge and understanding among response agencies. It's key that as we set our priorities right for 2025," Keter stated.
Government Chemist William Munywoki explained that the meeting aims to agree on plans for 2025 based on previous experiences with CBRN issues. "We have a draft that we began working on in 2022. We hope to make decisions that will guide policymakers on coordination and cooperation in stemming CBRN risks. We also have a tool being developed to help in risk assessment," Munywoki explained.
Keter additionally urged participants to help fight misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding CBRN threats. He stressed the need for excellent training for law enforcement and security personnel, noting that "CBRN disinformation can lead to confusion and mistrust and jeopardize public health response in cases of emergency."
The European Union established CBRN Centers of Excellence to strengthen national and regional abilities to prevent, identify, and address risks from CBRN threats, which experts say may result from accidents, criminal activities, or terrorism.
The Government Chemist and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute organized this meeting as countries in Southern and Eastern Africa work together against cross-border threats. These discussions happen as experts develop a toolkit to standardize CBRN approaches nationally, regionally, and globally. Just days ago, Kenya hosted representatives from 28 countries for discussions about their plans for 2025.
These meetings focus on managing crises related to CBRN hazards to protect citizens, assets, and the environment. Representatives from the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Government Chemist, Kenya Medical Research Institute, plus the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries emphasized the importance of improving Kenya's readiness for potential threats.
During the two-day event, participants will discuss building capacity within government agencies, reducing risks, cooperating with neighboring countries, developing legal frameworks, and incorporating new technologies for detecting and responding to threats.
James Keter, Director General of KNRA, opened the meeting by highlighting efforts across Eastern and Central Africa to enhance collaboration, including the creation of European Union-funded CBRN Centers of Excellence that help countries improve their response capabilities.
"Because CBRN risks are unpredictable and ever-evolving as technology advances, we must endeavor to increase knowledge and understanding among response agencies. It's key that as we set our priorities right for 2025," Keter stated.
Government Chemist William Munywoki explained that the meeting aims to agree on plans for 2025 based on previous experiences with CBRN issues. "We have a draft that we began working on in 2022. We hope to make decisions that will guide policymakers on coordination and cooperation in stemming CBRN risks. We also have a tool being developed to help in risk assessment," Munywoki explained.
Keter additionally urged participants to help fight misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding CBRN threats. He stressed the need for excellent training for law enforcement and security personnel, noting that "CBRN disinformation can lead to confusion and mistrust and jeopardize public health response in cases of emergency."
The European Union established CBRN Centers of Excellence to strengthen national and regional abilities to prevent, identify, and address risks from CBRN threats, which experts say may result from accidents, criminal activities, or terrorism.
The Government Chemist and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute organized this meeting as countries in Southern and Eastern Africa work together against cross-border threats. These discussions happen as experts develop a toolkit to standardize CBRN approaches nationally, regionally, and globally. Just days ago, Kenya hosted representatives from 28 countries for discussions about their plans for 2025.
