Experts from across Kenya are meeting in Naivasha this week for a national biosafety conference aimed at taking stock of the country’s progress in adopting modern biotechnology. Hosted by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the event, running from June 10 to 12, brings together government officials, researchers, scholars, farmers, and youth representatives to assess achievements, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
Themed “13 Years Later: Building Trust and Ensuring Safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs),” the conference provides a platform for national dialogue on biosafety and modern biotechnologies. According to NBA acting CEO Nehemiah Ngetich, the event will explore Kenya’s regulatory journey since the enactment of the Biosafety Act in 2009 and the approval of the National Biotechnology Development Policy in 2006.
Kenya has developed a comprehensive legal framework to guide GMO-related activities, including four key regulations: the Biosafety (Contained Use) Regulations, Environmental Release Regulations, Import, Export and Transit Regulations (all in 2011), and Labelling Regulations (2012).
Discussions at the conference will focus on several sub-themes, including the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks in ensuring GMO safety. Experts will examine international protocols such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, alongside Kenya’s national mechanisms for compliance, public engagement, and risk management.
Participants will also delve into scientific risk assessment methods covering environmental impact, allergenicity, toxicity, and long-term health implications. Product labelling will be a key topic, highlighting its role in promoting transparency, consumer trust, and traceability.
The role of partnerships is also central to the conversation. The conference will showcase how public-private and inter-agency collaborations have bolstered research, safety assessments, and responsible GMO commercialisation.
Emerging biotechnologies such as genome editing, synthetic biology, and AI-driven tools are on the agenda, with experts sharing insights into how artificial intelligence is revolutionising research, crop development, and biosafety monitoring.
As Kenya continues to embrace modern biotechnology, the Naivasha retreat serves as a critical checkpoint for aligning innovations with safety, policy, and public confidence.
