Government unveils national action plan to boost hazardous threat response

Kenya has taken a major step in strengthening its ability to deal with dangerous substances by releasing its first national plan dedicated to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

The CBRN National Action Plan outlines how the government will organise, respond and prepare for emergencies linked to hazardous materials, a move that comes at a time the country is also considering nuclear power as part of its future energy options.

The document was crafted through cooperation between the Kenya CBRN National Team and the European Union CBRN Risk Mitigation Centre of Excellence.

It gives the country a shared guide for preventing incidents, detecting threats early and managing crises that pose risks to health, safety and the environment.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo described the plan as “a testament to Kenya’s resolve to protect its people, strengthen national systems, and ensure that no emergency finds us unprepared”.

He said the framework brings a whole-of-government approach that aligns operations across agencies during incidents that could shake public safety or disrupt national order.

The plan draws heavily on past events that exposed gaps in emergency response.

These include the 1998 attack in Nairobi, the Thange oil spill in Makueni ten years ago, the Embakasi gas explosion and the disrupted 2016 anthrax-related terror attempt.

Officials also cited a recent case in April when a Kenya Airways flight turned back to Nairobi after a suspected hazardous biological leak, along with experiences such as Covid-19, which demonstrated the changing nature of threats.

“Kenya’s national preparedness, resilience and security have been faced with numerous incidents involving hazardous materials, reminding us of the urgent need for stronger coordination and enhanced readiness,” Omollo said.

He added that “the Action Plan moves us from reactive measures to a structured, preparedness-focused framework,” noting that it equips institutions with clearer systems for identifying and responding to CBRN events.

The blueprint calls for tighter governance, stronger detection abilities, better equipment and improved infrastructure.

Other priorities include a central inventory for CBRN materials, public awareness programmes and deeper engagement with regional and global partners to support training and cooperation.

The launch comes as Kenya weighs the building of its first nuclear power station in Bondo, Siaya.

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The project is expected to produce 1,000MW at the start and grow to 20,000MW by 2040 as part of efforts to solve future energy needs.

PS Omollo said the plan supports this conversation by ensuring safety structures advance at the same pace.

“As we chart a path towards clean, reliable, high-capacity nuclear power, we must ensure our national safety framework grows with our ambition,” he said.

“This plan strengthens readiness and gives us confidence to pursue modern energy solutions while protecting our people and environment,” the PS added.

The event brought together senior government officials, emergency teams, hospital representatives, regulators and international partners.

Government Chemist and national CBRN focal point, Dr William Munyoki, said the rollout of the plan reflects Kenya’s ongoing push for global disarmament, non-proliferation and responsible handling of hazardous materials.

“The launch of the plan builds on years of multi-agency collaboration under the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence, culminating in a national framework ready for implementation,” he said.

Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority head James Keter said the plan offers “a coordinated, resolute voice on CBRN preparedness and response”.