Kenya holds CBRN tabletop exercise under EU Centres of Excellence
Kenya has held a national CBRN tabletop exercise under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence to enhance preparedness, coordination and response mechanisms for complex CBRN incidents.
Taking place in Nairobi from 27-30 January 2026, the exercise aimed to strengthen CBRN risk mitigation, response capacities and inter-agency collaboration, and "brought together relevant Kenyan authorities and technical experts to review and test national response arrangements for CBRN incidents", according to United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
The exercise "provided a structured setting to test command and control arrangements, clarify institutional roles and evaluate decision-making processes during complex chemical and radiological scenarios", said UNICRI.
Particular attention was paid to transparent public engagement, crisis communication, information management, and mis-and disinformation, including through simulated press briefings and coordinated response discussions.
"The exercise enabled authorities to identify strengths and procedural gaps, supporting evidence-based improvements to national CBRN response frameworks," UNICRI added.
"The findings of the exercise will inform contingency planning and future training activities. By integrating lessons identified into operational planning and standard procedures, Kenyan authorities continue to consolidate a coherent and sustainable national framework for managing CBRN risks."
Participating institutions
Twenty-two representatives from 11 national and local institutions took part, including regulatory authorities, emergency services, medical institutions and technical agencies.
Participating entities included: the Government Chemist’s Department, the Ministry of Interior, the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the National Counterterrorism Centre, the National Disaster Management Unit, the National Disaster Operations Centre, the National Environmental Management Authority, Kenyatta National Hospital, St. John’s Ambulance, the Nairobi Disaster Management and Coordination Sector (Fire Brigade) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
