Kenya will next week host the 13th National Biosafety Conference in Naivasha, bringing together key stakeholders to evaluate the country’s progress, challenges, and prospects in embracing modern biotechnology.
Organized by the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the three-day event will run from June 10 to 12, 2025, under the theme “13 Years Later: Building Trust and Ensuring Safety of Genetically Modified Organisms.” It will serve as a national dialogue platform on biotechnology and biosafety, and will be officially opened by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Sen. Hon. Mutahi Kagwe.
According to NBA acting CEO Nehemiah Ngetich, the conference will gather scientists, policy makers, regulators, farmers, youth, and civil society to deliberate on Kenya’s legal and regulatory frameworks governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Discussions will highlight safety assessment protocols, product labeling, environmental protection, and socio-economic considerations surrounding GMO use.
“Kenya has put in place a robust biosafety framework that ensures GMOs meet strict safety standards before approval for research, release, or consumption,” said Mr. Ngetich.
Key sub-themes include regulatory compliance, international agreements such as the Cartagena Protocol, risk assessment processes, and the importance of transparent labeling in building consumer trust. The conference will also spotlight collaborative efforts in GMO research and development, and the contributions of NGOs and county governments in promoting biosafety awareness.
In addition, participants will explore cutting-edge advances in biotechnology, including genome editing, synthetic biology, and the application of artificial intelligence in enhancing research, biosafety monitoring, and agricultural productivity.
Kenya’s journey in biotechnology began with the adoption of the National Biotechnology Development Policy in 2006, followed by the enactment of the Biosafety Act in 2009. Since then, the country has implemented four key regulations to ensure the safe use and management of GMOs.
The NBA, Kenya’s focal point for the Cartagena Protocol, continues to uphold the nation’s commitment to environmental safety, public health, and sustainable development through responsible biotechnology governance.
Written By Rodney Mbua
