MaxShimba
JF-Expert Member
- Apr 11, 2008
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Questions have emerged about plans by Kenya to continue investing heavily in the research and development of nuclear power to meet the countrys rising energy demands in the wake of concerns about the safety of the technology.
Following the shocking Japanese Fukushima nuclear disaster in March this year bias over the need to replace atomic power with renewable energy sources is gaining currency in many parts of the world underpinned by the long-standing debate over the extremely high costs and rigorous safety requirements of nuclear energy development.
This time however, the debate has evolved into decisive action with most countries especially in the West moving to re-examine and alter their nuclear policies.
Amid all the debate on the viability of nuclear power due to its safety concerns and high cost factors and as first world nations move towards shunning atomic power in favour of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro, observers have raised questions on whether there is need for Kenya to channel enormous financial resources towards research and development of nuclear energy.
Nuclear power stations are extremely expensive to build. In addition the maintenance and running of the power plants call for rigorous and costly safety requirements.
According to David Maina, the director of the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (INST), at University of Nairobi, Kenyas nuclear energy initiative is expected to set back the country a staggering Ksh 80 billion (U$ 1 billion).
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