Nairobi: The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced plans to expand its partnership with schools throughout the country as part of the ongoing national tree growing campaign. This initiative aims to help achieve the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
According to Kenya News Agency, NBA’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nehemiah Ngetich, emphasized the importance of this collaboration during a tree planting exercise at Loresho Primary School. The event, conducted in partnership with the Kenya Forest Research Institute, saw the planting of 1,000 trees, including 500 assorted trees and 500 fruit trees.
Mr. Ngetich highlighted the Authority’s efforts in already planting trees in primary schools across Meru County, Kiambu County, and Nairobi, with more schools slated for inclusion in the next quarter. He encouraged students to care for the trees, noting their future benefits in providing shelter, fruits, and environmental conservation.
The NBA, established under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320 of the Laws of Kenya, is responsible for overseeing the transfer, handling, and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), ensuring their safety for human and animal health and environmental protection.
Mr. Ngetich also discussed the Authority’s support for initiatives encouraging students to pursue courses in biotechnology and biosafety. He stressed the importance of understanding biosafety for future scientists and responsible citizens, urging youth involvement with current biotechnologies.
He detailed potential career paths such as Biotechnology Researcher, Environmental Scientist, Food Safety Officer, and Science Communicator, underscoring the NBA’s role in ensuring safe biotechnology use in Kenya. The Authority regulates GMOs to prevent environmental harm, health effects, and ethical concerns, ensuring that advancements are safe and beneficial.
Mr. Ngetich affirmed NBA’s commitment to fostering safe research and development in biotechnology and biosafety. The agency provides guidance on safety protocols, encourages responsible innovation, and collaborates with universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Authority is tasked with ensuring that GMO foods and products are safe for consumption, monitoring biotechnology’s environmental impacts, and engaging scientists, policymakers, and the public in decision-making processes.
Kenya’s signing and ratification of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety reflect its commitment to regulating GMOs for safety. This international agreement, part of the global convention on biological diversity, offers a framework for biotechnology utilization while recognizing potential risks posed by new technologies.