Abdulrazak Shaukat is a career scientist and public policy expert with extensive experience in science, research, innovation, and nuclear‑related development.
Shaukat is known for his senior leadership roles at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and, nationally, for steering key science, research, and higher education institutions in Kenya.
Abdulrazak Shaukat Education Background
Role in Kenya’s Government
President William Ruto appointed Abdulrazak Shaukat as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation.
Upon announcing the appointment, the President stated that he had personally drawn Shaukat from the IAEA to support Kenya’s science, research, innovation, and nuclear preparedness agenda.
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Shaukat manages policy coordination across national research institutions, innovation systems, and science‑based programmes, including the application of nuclear science for peaceful development.
He brings together research institutions and innovation programmes, ensuring that science and nuclear technology are used responsibly to advance national development.
Before his nomination, Abdulrazak served as the Director of the Division for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Shaukat has more than 30 years of experience working as a university academic, administrator, and policy adviser in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
Career and Experience at the International Atomic Energy Agency
Abdulrazak Shaukat served as Director of the Division for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. In this capacity, he facilitated technical cooperation programmes across forty‑eight African countries.
His work at the IAEA focused on the peaceful application of nuclear science in development while ensuring compliance with international safety, security, and regulatory standards.
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The areas under his management included food and agriculture, health and nutrition, industrial applications of nuclear technology, radiation technology, water and environmental management, energy planning and nuclear power, knowledge development and management, and nuclear safety.
Shaukat served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation from 2008 to 2014, during which he coordinated and regulated national research activities.
He has also served as Vice‑Chancellor of Umma University and as Deputy Vice‑Chancellor at Egerton University, gaining experience in university governance, academic leadership, and research management.
In addition to his executive roles, Shaukat has held several regional and international appointments. He has served as Governor of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Chair of the African Technology Policy Studies Network, and as a Commissioner of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy.
Abdulrazak Shaukat has also served on boards and national advisory bodies, including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport Corridor Project, and the Kenya National Economic and Social Council. Nuclear Science and Policy Leadership
