Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is preparing to host its 13th Annual Biosafety Conference in two and a half weeks under the theme “13 years later: Building trust and ensuring the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms.” The three-day event will focus on strengthening national dialogue around modern biotechnology and biosafety, while also boosting public awareness and education.
Ahead of the event, the NBA emphasized the need to address widespread misinformation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genome editing technologies. The authority reaffirmed its regulatory role, noting that every biotechnology product undergoes rigorous scrutiny before being approved for use in Kenya.
One example is BT cotton, which was approved for commercialization in 2020 and is now grown in over 23 counties. Farmers who have adopted this variety have reported satisfaction with its performance, and the NBA has observed no unanticipated adverse effects. The authority considers the rollout of BT cotton a significant milestone that has helped revive cotton farming as a cash crop.
In addition to BT cotton, the NBA is in the final stages of evaluating virus-resistant cassava varieties. Once assessments are completed, these will be released to farmers. Meanwhile, BT maize trials, which have been ongoing for over 12 years, continue to generate debate due to maize’s status as a staple food. The NBA maintains that BT maize, designed to resist pests such as the stem borer and fall armyworm, has been thoroughly assessed for safety. Importantly, farmers will have the option to adopt the technology or not.
Post-commercialization monitoring is a core part of the NBA’s oversight, with monitoring expected to continue for up to 20 years after a product’s approval. For instance, BT cotton will be under observation until 2040. The NBA has deployed biosafety inspectors to monitor fields and gather reports directly from farmers, ensuring continued safety and efficacy.
The NBA evaluates GMO safety based on two key pillars: food safety and environmental safety. Food safety assessments ensure that GMO products do not pose toxicity or allergenicity risks and maintain their nutritional value. Environmental assessments focus on biodiversity, ensuring that GMOs do not negatively affect non-target organisms such as bees.
The authority also urged researchers, particularly at universities, to obtain proper authorization before conducting any GMO-related research. It warned that legal and administrative action would be taken against institutions or individuals conducting unauthorized research. To date, five institutions have been registered and publicly notified of these requirements. Inspections at universities will soon be underway to ensure compliance.
To enhance accessibility, the NBA has decentralized its services by opening regional offices in Busia, Namanga, Taita Taveta, Lunga Lunga, and Malaba. Additionally, it has established a molecular laboratory for in-house GMO testing, giving the authority full control over its regulatory processes. Previously, these services had to be outsourced.
The upcoming conference is expected to attract delegates from all 47 counties, as well as international participants. Discussions will involve farmers engaged in cultivating BT cotton, cassava, and maize, along with county government representatives. Policymakers, scientists, and international speakers will share insights on biotechnology commercialization from their respective countries.
The conference will also offer a platform to engage the public on biotechnology research, development, and applications. Key topics will include the benefits of genetically engineered crops and livestock, the safety and socio-economic implications of the technologies, and their role in climate resilience and food security. The event is seen as an opportunity to build public confidence, promote responsible stewardship, and foster informed dialogue on modern biotechnology in Kenya.
