WINS is delighted to welcome Josephine Wakuyu, Radiation Protection Officer at the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), as a WINS Academy Ambassador. Continue reading to learn more about her and her journey and experience getting certified at the WINS Academy.
What was your elective for the WINS Academy? Why did you choose it?
My elective included CNSsP Nuclear Security Regulation and the CNSfP Foundation Module. I chose to pursue this course because my employer, who is the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, is the competent authority in matters of nuclear security as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Act, which was enacted on the 29th of December 2019. I am also attached to the nuclear security department.
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
I am passionate about creating awareness for the need for more people to enrol into the WINS Academy in order to get certified. The certification from WINS has enhanced my knowledge and boosted my confidence. My role as an ambassador will assist me in contributing towards my country’s efforts of strengthening the nuclear security culture amongst stakeholders.
The certification from WINS has enhanced my knowledge and boosted my confidence.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
The programme will equip them with the necessary knowledge that will enhance their confidence in speaking about and promoting the need of embracing nuclear security culture which will play a key role in preventing and mitigating threats and risks emanating from incidents related to nuclear security.
How has your WINS Academy training shaped your understanding of nuclear security threats and risks?
Having gained a deeper understanding on nuclear security threats and risks has helped me to improve the execution of my duties when it comes to identifying threats and risks and how to counteract them.
How do you think advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusion would enhance your field?
Women comprise almost two-thirds of the population in Kenya. However, they comprise less than 25% of the workforce in the nuclear and radiation industry in Kenya. Even those in the sector, are vastly represented in the leadership role. Advancing gender equality, diversity and inclusivity will encourage talented women to pursue careers in the nuclear and radiation field and more women to tackle the challenge of picking up leadership roles in the nuclear industry.
What advice would you give women who are entering the field?
To have an open mind, learn as much as possible and to become trailblazers through innovation for the sake of the upcoming generation who would like to join the field of nuclear security. Women who have taken up a career and roles in the nuclear sector have made a significant contribution in helping communities to have trust in nuclear technologies and their applications. A number of women have taken leadership roles in nuclear research institutes and regulatory bodies.
