The University of Nairobi, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology is the only one in Kenya offering nuclear science courses: certificate in Renewable and Applied Radiation Protection, Postgraduate Diplomas in various specializations, Masters and Doctorate degree programme.
The institute was started in 1979 as a centre for Nuclear Science Techniques. The institute was an initiative of the Kenyan Government through the Kenya National Council for Science and Technology, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the University of Nairobi.
This was due to the vast application of Nuclear science that Kenya would have not afforded to ignore: nuclear energy production, cancer diagnosis and treatment, quality control in materials, assessing the extend of atmospheric pollution, mineral exploration, soil testing and crop modification.
Since 1993 when the centre was offered the status of an institute, over 100 postgraduate students have marched out of the institute to apply their knowledge in the civil service; security; energy, computer, mining, and construction industry among others.
As the country is going through a crisis of food insecurity, energy deficit, environmental degradation the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology comes into focus, to be part of an answer tho this real - life challenges as it works with the other institutions, departments and Universities.
It's with this realization that the institute of Nuclear Science and Technology has kept on reviewing its curriculum to meet the emerging - dynamic needs and demands of the nation in resonance with evolving technology a round the world, says Michael Mangala, a nuclear scientist don in the institute.
Nuclear science has a potential of engineering crops that can endure the prevailing harsh weather condition that Kenya is going through - prolonged drought in most parts of the country.
For example, Kenya's Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) working together with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under a regional programme called Africa – Co-operative Agreement for Research,Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), have developed a new of wheat called Njoro -BW1 – grown in 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) in Kenya farmland. The wheat is high yielding and resistant to drought.
Indeed the a application of nuclear science and technology is ambitiously being harnessed to develop another new wheat code-named DH4, which can endure the prevailing climate changes.
Mangala, who spoke on behalf of the director of the institute, David Maina, says the institute is resourceful to graduate students pursuing research in biological and physical science projects that are geared towards responding to challenges facing Kenya, that require an ingredient of nuclear science techniques.
“Nuclear science and technology exploits can not be pursued a lone,” the lecture explains, “we need to look at science as an agent of change.”
He says that for the Kenya to tap from applied sciences towards the realization of vision 2030, the curriculum of science need be reevaluated from primary level to secondary up to institutions of higher learning.
“Our science content, should be oriented on the premise of what we are out to achieve as a nation,” Mangala, a specialist in Nuclear Techniques says.“So long as Kenya is trapped in the hook of struggling with basic problems, such as food insecurity, prolonged drought, water scarcity among other problems – serious scientific take off will be held hostage.”
Apart from dissemination of knowledge and carrying out research, the institute offers consultancy services in elemental analysis, environmental radioactivity measurements, and determining quality of radioactivity in any given sample.
Bachelors degree holders (Honors) in Biological and or Physical Science and applied scientist, in any Engineering discipline are potential graduate students to pursue Nuclear Science at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology.
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