Operation of a nuclear plant is often associated with radioactive wastes. The distinguishable feature about these wastes is the liberation of ionizing radiation hence these materials always require specific procedures for handling, storage and ultimate disposal.
Electricity generation through nuclear energy has been in existence over a long time. Through such enormous experience calibrated over time, special procedures for handling radioactive wastes have been developed. The common procedure practiced in Kenya and accepted internationally involve three main approaches; concentrate and contain radioactive wastes in a suitable environment, dilute to acceptable regulatory levels and disperse to environment, and delay the materials to decay to approximate background level.
Kenya commits to proper management of radioactive wastes in support of safety of people and the environment from ionizing radiation especially if such radiation is of nuclear origin. Through the Radiation Protection Board (RPB), the government has demonstrated a long-term obligation to nuclear safety. RPB has been in the forefront of developing a Central Radioactive Waste Processing and storage facility. In addition, draft policies and strategies that are geared towards radiation safety particularly involving radioactive wastes have been established. Equally, plans are underway to fast track a legal and regulatory framework and a regulatory authority that will foresee safety of people and the environment with regard to radioactive wastes.