Kenya holds conference to review 13 years of GMO use
Organised by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the meeting has drawn scientists, policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders to examine the country’s progress and ongoing efforts to ensure the safe use of biotechnology.
Kenya is holding a three-day National Biosafety Conference in Naivasha to assess its 13-year journey in adopting genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organised by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the meeting has drawn scientists, policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders to examine the country’s progress and ongoing efforts to ensure the safe use of biotechnology.
Themed “13 years later: Building trust and ensuring safety of genetically modified organisms,” the conference will focus on improving public understanding of GMOs and strengthening regulatory oversight to build public trust.
Key sessions will cover legal structures, risk assessments, and how Kenya is aligning its policies with international standards.
Josphat Muchiri, NBA’s acting Director of Biosafety Research and Compliance, noted that many Kenyans remain misinformed about GMOs, even though the country has established systems to guarantee their safety.
"There has been a lot of misinformation and disinformation on GMOs and members of the public don’t know that the government has established structures for assurance of safety," he said.
His comments point to a central issue the conference aims to address — the gap between scientific evidence and public understanding.
The NBA is using the event to highlight its role in protecting public health and the environment through proper regulation of biotechnology.
Nehemiah Ngetich, acting chief executive officer of NBA, said Kenya’s legal and regulatory system is robust and up to international standards.
"The framework outlines specific application requirements, safety assessment procedures, and monitoring mechanisms which align to Kenya's commitment to food safety, environmental protection, and the socio-economic well-being of its citizens," he said.
Among the main topics under discussion are how the country’s regulatory system is working, how risks are managed, and the importance of involving the public in decision-making on GMOs.
The NBA hopes the outcomes will not only reinforce safety but also boost public confidence in modern biotechnology.
