The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has expanded its operational footprint with the opening of new offices in Moyale and Isebania, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening surveillance and monitoring of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) across the country.
The operationalisation of the two offices is expected to enhance regulatory oversight, particularly at key entry points, as Kenya intensifies efforts to ensure biosafety compliance in food and agricultural imports. The Authority already maintains a presence in several border and regional hubs, including Mombasa, Busia, Malaba, Namanga, Lunga Lunga, and Taita Taveta.
NBA Board of Directors Chairperson Hon. David Wamatsi said the Authority operates in a fast-evolving environment shaped by scientific innovation, public perception, and policy dynamics.
“As you are aware, the Authority operates in a dynamic environment where public perception, scientific advancement, and policy developments constantly intersect,” said Wamatsi during a members and senior management induction forum in Naivasha.
He emphasized that issues surrounding food security, climate resilience, health innovation, and sustainable development have placed the Authority at the centre of Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda.
ALSO READ;
“Kenya’s commitment to agricultural transformation and science-driven solutions places this Authority at the heart of national discourse on scientific innovations. This means our unity, professionalism, and responsiveness must remain beyond reproach,” he added.
The NBA has so far approved several GMO crops, including Bt cotton, which was commercialised in 2020, Bt maize, and virus-resistant cassava, both approved for environmental release. However, the release of Bt maize remains suspended due to an ongoing court case in Kisumu.
Other ongoing field trials include virus-resistant sweet potato in Kakamega, biofortified cassava in Alupe (Busia County), late blight-resistant Irish potato trials in Molo, Muguga (Kiambu County), Njambini (Nyandarua County), drought-tolerant maize, and African biofortified sorghum in Kiboko, Makueni.
In the animal health sector, the Authority has approved field trials for GM vaccines targeting Rift Valley Fever in cattle, goats, sheep, and camels.
NBA further reminded the public that it is an offence under the Biosafety Act for any person to handle GMOs or derived products without written approval from the Authority.
By our reporter
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
