The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will hold its 13th Annual Biosafety Conference in Naivasha in two weeks, focusing on public education and trust in genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Themed “13 Years Later: Building Trust and Ensuring the Safety of GMOs,” the three-day event aims to counter misinformation, promote safe GMO use, and highlight Kenya’s biosafety regulations.
Josphat Muchiri, NBA’s Acting Director for Biosafety Research, said the authority has intensified public outreach to assure Kenyans that all approved GMO products undergo strict safety checks and long-term monitoring—up to 20 years post-approval.
He cited the success of BT cotton, now grown in 23 counties, and ongoing evaluations of virus-resistant cassava and BT maize, which address key pest threats. Adoption will remain voluntary.
The NBA oversees all GMO research, requiring prior approval for any projects. It recently opened its own GMO testing lab and expanded to regional offices to enhance service delivery and compliance.
The conference will bring together farmers, scientists, government officials, and international experts to discuss biotechnology’s role in food security, climate resilience, and safe commercialization.
Joel Ochieng from the University of Nairobi emphasized the need for public engagement and clear communication as more biotech products enter the market.
