Biosafety Authority lauds border agencies, pledges tighter GMO control

NBA board members and staff plant trees at the Busia border point during their visit. [Courtesy]

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the entry of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products through Kenya’s border points, citing enhanced collaboration with various government agencies as key to success.

Speaking during a tour of the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP), NBA Board Chair Mohamed Hussein praised the cooperation between the Authority and agencies such as the Ministry of Interior, KEBS, KEPHIS, KRA, Immigration Services, Kenya Forest Services, and the Busia County Government.

The visit included a high-level meeting to assess progress in enforcing biosafety regulations and discuss strategic coordination across departments.

“The NBA is fully prepared to supervise the transfer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure the safety of human and animal health and protect the environment,” said Mr. Hussein.

NBA Acting CEO Nehemiah Ngetich echoed the commitment, noting that public awareness remains central to the Authority’s efforts.

“We are scaling up education campaigns to counter misinformation and help Kenyans better understand the benefits and safeguards of modern biotechnology,” he said.

The NBA, established under the Biosafety Act Cap 320, is tasked with regulating GMOs in Kenya and ensuring compliance with national and international biosafety standards. The Authority has already approved Bt cotton, under cultivation since 2020, with no adverse effects reported through its surveillance system.

In a bid to enhance border oversight, NBA has expanded its presence by operationalizing new offices in Malaba, Lunga Lunga, and Taita Taveta, complementing existing facilities in Mombasa, Busia, and Namanga. Kenya has approximately 24 official entry points.

Kenya continues to make strides in biotechnology, having approved several GMO crops for confined field trials.

They include: Bt Maize in Kiboko and Kitale, Drought-Tolerant Maize in Kiboko,Virus-Resistant Sweet Potato in Kakamega,Virus-Resistant Cassava (VIRCA) in Mtwapa, Thika, and Alupe, BioCassava Plus (BC+) in Alupe.

Others are: GM Potato in Molo (Nakuru), Muguga (Kiambu), and Njambini (Nyandarua), Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and African Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) in Kiboko (Makueni)

The NBA is also mandated to facilitate the safe approval of biotech crops and animal breeds that are more resilient to pests and diseases, thereby boosting food production.

Kenya's biosafety framework is underpinned by national legislation and international commitments, including its membership in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which promotes safe transfer, handling, and use of GMOs globally.

At the national level, the country has implemented the National Biotechnology Development Policy (2006) and enacted the Biosafety Act (2009). Additionally, Kenya has adopted four core biosafety regulations on contained use, environmental release, import/export/transit, and labelling.

“Our legal and institutional framework positions Kenya as a regional leader in responsible biotechnology management,” Mr. Ngetich added.

The NBA continues to champion science-based regulation and inter-agency collaboration as central pillars in safeguarding the country’s biosafety landscape