The National Biosafety Authority has announced new regulations governing the import and sale of genetically modified animal feed.
These regulations are particularly essential for GM products that have previously been approved in other countries.
NBA interim CEO Nehemiah Ngetich stated that the requirements apply to such imports, and that decisions on importation will be made within 30 days if the request falls within Section 28 of the Biosafety Act.
“For other cases, the process may take between 90 to 150 days. Applications must be submitted through the e-citizen platform,” he said.
In 2012, Kenya imposed a ban on the importation of GMOs through a Cabinet memo due to concerns over their safety and environmental impact.
The ban was later lifted in 2022 allowing the importation of GMOs for animal feed and the cultivation of genetically modified crops, particularly Bt maize, aimed at addressing food security and pest resistance challenges.
According to the Biosafety Act, both the importation and market placement of GM products require separate approvals.
Registration for importation is priced at Sh30,000 annually, with an additional Sh25,000 for the importation permit.
Companies are also required to pay between Sh10,000 and Sh30,000 annually for GMO labelling, depending on their turnover.
Ngetich said the Biosafety Act mandates written approval from the authority for both importation and placement of GM products on the market.
