During talks with Odinga, the IAEA’s Director General, Yukiya Amano said he is keen to have the agency become a useful tool in addressing needs of developing nations that have little access to advanced technology.

“Unreliable rainfall patterns has affected our power generation and left us badly exposed. We have to look into alternative sources of power and nuclear looks a credible, long term alternative,” Odinga said.

“We are exploring geothermal, wind, solar and biofuels. But we have decided as a government that we must pursue nuclear also for purposes of longer term needs,” Odinga added.

Odinga has urged IAEA to assist Kenya on building the capacity by training local scientists on development of nuclear power. He has also asked IAEA to partner with the Ministry of Higher education to educate Kenyans on the use of nuclear for peaceful purposes so as to dispel the stigma presently attached to nuclear science.

“When you talk about nuclear energy among laymen, people think of nuclear weapons. They think we are going to war. We must begin to educate our people that there are peaceful and productive uses for nuclear science. It is not just for weapons,” Odinga said.

Odinga has asked IAEA to establish a program which will see Kenyans come for training with the agency in readiness for Kenya’s pursuit of nuclear energy.

Responding, Amano said the use of nuclear power has been limited to the Developed Countries, which he said should not be the case.

“You don’t need to worry. Almost everyone in the developing world lacks expertise in this area and everyone else is just beginning to think of going nuclear. So you have begun at the right time,” Mr Amano said.

Amano said capacity building would be important as Kenya prepares to pursue nuclear energy, adding that IAEA could help with funding and drafting of relevant legislation dealing with installation and use of nuclear energy.

According to Amano, Kenya would also have to commit to support a code of conduct and regulations governing use of nuclear power for peaceful means.

“We will have to give priority to building the human capacity in your country and training. I assure you of support,” Amano said.

Amano reported that establishing nuclear power is expensive but in the long run, it is cheaper than all the other alternatives once it is in place.