The Ministry of Agriculture has reassured Kenyans about the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), emphasizing that all GMOs approved by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) are safe for consumption. This reassurance comes amid rising public concerns and misconceptions surrounding the use of GMOs in Kenya’s agriculture sector. The Ministry is calling for stronger public education initiatives to counter the spread of misinformation and promote a science-based understanding of GMOs.
Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, highlighted that the newly launched NBA Strategic Plan 2023–2027 includes detailed steps to address common myths and fears about GMOs. This plan is a crucial tool in helping to clarify the role of biotechnology in agriculture and food safety. By actively promoting accurate information, the NBA seeks to build public confidence in GMOs and their regulation.
As part of efforts to enhance public outreach, the NBA plans to expand its presence across Kenya. The authority will open six additional border offices to help with community initiatives and increase biosafety education efforts. These offices will also support projects like drip irrigation in schools, providing a platform for the community to engage with the biosafety authority and learn more about GMO safety. Regions already benefiting from NBA’s biosafety efforts include Mombasa, Busia, Namanga, Malaba, Lunga Lunga, and Taita Taveta, though the Ministry acknowledges that more work is needed to raise awareness and understanding in other parts of the country.
Dr. Ronoh reassured the public that Kenya has a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and consumption of GMOs. He stressed that the NBA’s mission is to safeguard human and animal health and protect the environment. By ensuring that GMOs are rigorously tested and approved for use, the government aims to demonstrate that GMOs are a valuable tool in enhancing food security and agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the NBA plays a key role in Kenya’s participation in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an international agreement that governs the safe handling and movement of GMOs across borders. This international collaboration ensures that Kenya adheres to global biosafety standards and practices, which is critical in ensuring the country’s compliance with international trade regulations concerning GMOs.
Dr. Roy Mugiira Ngetich, the Acting CEO of the NBA, emphasized the importance of increasing biosafety awareness and education nationwide. He identified misinformation and limited public knowledge as significant barriers to the successful implementation of biosafety protocols. According to Dr. Ngetich, it is essential to invest in widespread educational campaigns to ensure that all Kenyans fully understand the importance of biosafety and the scientific principles behind GMO regulations.
The upcoming public engagement campaigns will focus on targeted education efforts, stakeholder mapping, and personalized outreach strategies to reach different communities across the country. These efforts aim to dispel misconceptions, build trust in biosafety measures, and encourage greater compliance with GMO safety protocols. Through these initiatives, the NBA hopes to create a more informed and engaged public, which will ultimately contribute to better health outcomes and a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.
In conclusion, the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and the NBA, is committed to ensuring that GMOs are safely integrated into the country’s agricultural systems. By focusing on education and public engagement, the government aims to create a more informed society that can make decisions based on accurate information, fostering greater acceptance of GMOs as a tool for achieving food security and agricultural sustainability.
