Nairobi: Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which is mandated to regulate research activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs), has urged research institutions conducting Confined Field Trials (CFTs) to strictly comply with the biosafety protocols stipulated in the Biosafety Act, 2009.
According to Kenya News Agency, NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi emphasized during a visit to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) research facilities at Muguga and Kandara that full compliance with biosafety protocols is essential to ensure that confined field trials remain contained and do not pose risks to people, animals, or the environment. The visit coincided with a delegation from Senegal’s National Biosafety Authority, highlighting an international interest in Kenya’s regulatory practices.
Confined Field Trials are crucial outdoor experiments conducted to assess genetically modified crops under real farming conditions while ensuring they remain contained before they are commercialized or released to the market. The NBA supervises these trials to confirm that experimental crops pose no threats to human health or the environment before wider authorization is considered. This oversight is achieved through continuous monitoring and inspection of all approved trials.
At KALRO research facilities, researchers are developing genetically modified crops, including late blight-resistant potatoes and advanced cassava lines targeting diseases such as Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD). Dr. Karimi’s visit was aimed at verifying adherence to protocols, including proper handling and disposal of trial materials.
Dr. Karimi expressed satisfaction with the compliance observed at the facilities and emphasized the importance of collaboration with KALRO to ensure the safe development and regulation of GMOs in Kenya. She also welcomed the opportunity for Senegal’s delegation to learn from Kenya’s regulatory framework, expressing hope for future international collaborations.
Kenya has approved several genetically modified crops for confined field trials across the country, including Bt maize, drought-tolerant maize, virus-resistant sweet potato, and various cassava and potato varieties. The Authority has also approved the commercial cultivation of Bt cotton, with no adverse effects reported since its introduction in 2020.
In the realm of animal research, the NBA has approved confined field trials for genetically modified vaccines aimed at controlling Rift Valley Fever in livestock. KALRO Director Dr. Martin Mwirigi highlighted the organization’s integrated research approach, combining conventional breeding with biotechnology to develop improved crop varieties.
Dr. Mwirigi noted that Bt cotton is already commercially cultivated, while Bt maize and GM cassava are nearing commercialization. GM potatoes are also pending regulatory approval following successful trials, marking important milestones in Kenya’s biotechnology advancement.
Senegal’s National Biosafety Authority Executive Director, Prof. Aliou Ndiaye, praised the research activities at KALRO, noting their potential to address food security and nutrition challenges in Senegal. The visit provided the Senegalese delegation with valuable insights into Kenya’s progress in agricultural biotechnology and biosafety regulation.
