Kakamega: The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) which regulates Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has lined up a series of public engagement, awareness creation in Kakamega in collaboration with other government agencies under” One Government approach” for better service deliver to farmers and the public.
The event will start at Bukura Agricultural College with engagement with agriculture and biotechnology students, lecturers and farmers will culminate into a public engagement forum for two days (Thursday and Friday) at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Mumias East, Kakamega County.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh and Kakamega Governor Dr. Farnandes Barasa, various chairpersons and chief executive officers of state corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture will grace the occasion that aims to enhance public understanding of modern biotechnology while addressing misinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms and emerging biotechnologies.
The awareness creation forum is being hosted by the National Biosafety Authority in collaboration with the County Government of Kakamega under the theme: “Enhancing Public Awareness and Regulation of GMOs in Kenya”
According to the Authority’s Chairman Mr. David Wamatsi, the Authority operates in an environment where misinformation shapes public perception, scientific advancement, and policy shifts constantly intersect.
Questions around food security, climate resilience, health innovation, and sustainable development are becoming more urgent. Kenya’s agricultural transformation and commitment to science-driven solutions therefore placing the institution at the center of national discourse.
“We remain committed to promoting biosafety, transparency, and meaningful public engagement,” said Mr. Wamatsi.
NBA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi said the public awareness forum aims to enhance public understanding of modern biotechnologies and biosafety, address misinformation and disinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms and other emerging biotechnologies, and promote informed, science-based discussions in support of food security and agricultural transformation.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is a state corporation mandated under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320, to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring the safety of human and animal health and provision of adequate protection of the environment.
Kenya signed Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2000 and ratified it in 2003 with National Biosafety Authority as the national focus point.
This is an international agreement which aims to ensure the regulation of GMOs to ensure their safety to humans, animals and environment.
The protocol is part of the global convention on biological diversity (CBD) and provides a framework for the utilization of biotechnology while also recognizing the potential risks that may be posed by the new technologies.
About the Authority:
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is a State Corporation established under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320 of the Laws of Kenya with the mandate to: exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of adequate protection of the environment.’
