The National Biosafety Authority and institutions of higher
learning are collaborating in advancing biosafety and modern biotechnology in Kenya.
Speaking during the Science Cafe at Bukura Agricultural College, the National Biosafety Authority Acting CEO Dr.Ann Karimi stated that as an Authority, they have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masinde
Muliro University of Science and Technology on the training of students undertaking
modern biotechnology-related courses.
“We are also pleased that another
Memorandum of Understanding with Chuka University is set to be signed in June this
year,” she said.
She pointed out that these partnerships are a clear demonstration of our commitment to manpower development, which is one of the core mandates of the National Biosafety Authority.
She emphasized that under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320. As an Authority, we recognize that the future of safe and responsible biotechnology lies in empowering institutions of learning, researchers, lecturers and students with the necessary knowledge, skills and practical exposure in biosafety and biotechnology.
There is so much we are doing together, and we look forward to even greater engagement with universities, colleges and other higher learning institutions across the
country.
She noted that the Authority’s resources are available to benefit Kenyans, and we are working across the board to ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not hinder the rollout and understanding of genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMOs, in the country.
She stated that Public awareness, scientific literacy and evidence-based communication
remain critical in ensuring that Kenyans appreciate the role of biotechnology in food
security, environmental sustainability and economic development.
Karimi said that the collaborations we are establishing with universities will involve active participation of staff and students in several important areas.
These include training and capacity
building, supervision of students and trainees, field and industrial attachment programmes, short-term professional training, provision of internal and external examiners, engagement of part-time lecturers, and development of training modules on biosafety and biosafety regulatory compliance.
Under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320, the National Biosafety Authority is mandated to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms with a view to ensuring the safety of human and animal
health, as well as adequate protection of the environment.
The Acting CEO pointed out that Kenya’s commitment to biosafety is also anchored in international obligations.
Kenya signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in the year 2000 and ratified it in 2003, with the National Biosafety Authority serving as the national focal point.
This international agreement seeks to ensure the safe regulation and utilization of modern biotechnology while recognizing and addressing potential risks associated with emerging technologies.
We commend universities already training students in biotechnology and related fields,
including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, University of Eldoret, Moi University, Kisii University, Technical University of Kenya, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi and Maseno University, among others.
As we move forward, we encourage more institutions to embrace biosafety education
and research in order to prepare the next generation of scientists, regulators and
innovators who will guide Kenya safely into the future of biotechnology.
The study commissioned by the Authority aimed to provide a quantitative picture of
biotechnology activities in the country in line with international standards, identify
existing needs and constraints, and support Kenya’s national and international
biosafety obligations.
The Authority remains committed to working closely with institutions of higher learning,
government agencies, development partners and the private sector to ensure that
biotechnology advances in a safe, responsible and beneficial manner for all Kenyans.
“Together, we can build a scientifically informed society, strengthen our national
capacity in biosafety, and position Kenya as a leader in modern biotechnology and
biosafety governance in Africa,” she concluded.
