“Local and international networks provide platforms to exchange ideas and professional opinions.”
Mercy Muriithi, Radiation Protection Officer II at the Kenyan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, speaks about the importance of continuous improvement and sharing of best practices. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority, among other duties, works to promote nuclear security in the country.
How can nuclear security professionals promote robust security culture?
Nuclear security professionals possess a learning and questioning attitude that can assist them to constantly improve the security procedures in their organisations, hence promoting a robust security culture.
How do local and international networks help nuclear security professionals strengthen practices and systems in their own institutions?
Local and international networks provide platforms to exchange ideas and professional opinions, as well as sharing of experiences and best practices, which will help professionals examine the current systems and practices in their own institutions and devise ways to improve them.
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
My WINS Academy elective was Nuclear Security Incident Management. I chose it mainly because it aligns with my background in emergency management. I learnt not only how to manage safety-related emergencies but to also manage incidents emanating from malicious intent. This has had an impact in the drafting of our National Nuclear/Radiological Emergency Response Plan.
“I would like to see more people in my organisation and among our stakeholders achieve this certification, as this will enhance our nuclear security culture and greatly improve our national nuclear security regime.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
Personally, I have benefitted a lot from becoming a Certified Nuclear Security Professional. I have been able to demonstrate my proficiency in nuclear security in many forums including workshops, conferences and trainings. I would like to see more people in my organisation and among our stakeholders achieve this certification, as this will enhance our nuclear security culture and greatly improve our national nuclear security regime. My main motivation to become a WINS Academy Ambassador is to be in a position to influence people to enrol in the WINS Academy and become certified.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Acquiring WINS Academy certification not only shows your competency in nuclear security or radioactive source security but also gives one confidence to run various tasks, take up higher positions and get more responsibilities in your organisation, which will give you an edge in your career.
From the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority:
How has your organisation benefitted from Ms. Muriithi achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority has greatly benefitted by having Ms. Muriithi as part of the Nuclear Security Division within the organisation. This division spearheads all issues on prevention, detection and response to nuclear security events in the country. This also includes sensitisation of stakeholders and being a resource person during national and regional training seminars and workshops.
“All inspectors are encouraged to enrol for and acquire this certification.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
WINS certification is identified in the technical personnel’s career progression requirements. A valid WINS certificate is one of the nuclear security professional qualifications contained in the human resource document on career growth of an inspector in the authority. All inspectors are encouraged to enrol for and acquire this certification.
