Nuclear Authority to Begin Mandatory Cargo Screening in May

Kenya, 21 April 2026 - The Kenya Nuclear  Regulatory  Authority has announced that it will commence a mandatory screening of cargo entering and exiting the country to detect and prevent the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials.

In a notice on Tuesday, the authority said that cargo shall be subjected to special screening at ports of entry, such as the port of Mombasa and inland container depots, effective 1 May 2026.

Under the directive, all containerized cargo shall be required to pass through monitored stations at the entry points, which will detect gamma and neutron radiation.

All legitimate radioactive materials shall be required to be accompanied by a valid import license issued by the authority alongside other documentation, including Harmonised systems (HS) codes.

The screening is in line with the Nuclear Regulatory Act, which oversees the safe and secure use of nuclear technology and radioactive materials in the country.

“This Act provides a framework for the regulation of safe, secure, and peaceful utilization of atomic energy and nuclear technology, as well as the production and use of radiation sources and radioactive waste management,” the notice read.

Importers, exporters, and licensed cargo agents have been directed to ensure that their drivers adhere to traffic flows within port facilities to prevent bypassing security checkpoints.

Furthermore, they will be required to pay verification fees as outlined in the  Third Schedule of Legal Notice 160, according to the authority.

“Cooperation with the Authority and multi-agency teams is essential to minimize clearance delays. This directive is effective starting 1 May 2026. For inquiries or to verify licensing requirements, visit our port offices or our headquarters,” the authority stated.

Radioactive materials are substances that naturally release energy in the form of radiation because their atoms are unstable.

While these materials are useful in medicine, energy production, and industry, they must be carefully handled and regulated because high levels of radiation can be harmful to human health and the environment.