National Biosafety Authority assures Kenyans of robust GMO regulation framework

JOSEPH NG’ANG’A- KNA 

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has assured Kenyans that there is a well-established regulatory framework in place for those dealing with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their derived products in the country. 

NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nehemiah Ngetich stated that the framework out lines specific application requirements, safety assessment procedures, and monitoring mechanisms, all of which align with Kenya’s commitment to food safety, environmental protection, and the socio-economic wellbeing of its citizens. 

Last week, the High Court dismissed a case challenging the lifting of the ban on GMOs and their derived products, reaffirming the Cabinet’s decision to lift the ban on October 3, 2022. 

This ruling suggests that Kenya has a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate GMOs. Mr. Ngetich noted that the Authority has the mandate to exercise general supervision and control over the trans fer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure the safety of human and animal health and to provide an adequate level of protection for the environment. 

“The Authority has already approved the commercialisation of Bt Cotton, which has been in cultivation since 2020 and no adverse effects have been noted or reported through the Authority’s monitoring and surveil lance system. 

Other crops such as BT maize and virus-resistant cassava are at advanced stages of variety testing towards their commercialisation,” Ngetich added. 

Kenya is a member of the international community and is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which is a mul tilateral environmental agreement whose objec tive is to ensure an adequate level of protection in the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs. 

At the national level, Kenya approved the National Biotechnology Development Policy in 2006, enacted the Biosafety Act in 2009 and has so far published four Biosafety Regulations.