Nairobi: The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced plans to open two new border offices as it intensifies monitoring and surveillance of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) products across the country. Acting NBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nehemiah Ngetich revealed in a press statement that the new offices will be located in Moyale and Isebania, with arrangements already underway to secure office spaces and deploy staff early next year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Authority already operates offices in Mombasa, Busia, Namanga, Malaba, Lunga Lunga, and Taita Taveta. Ngetich emphasized that the NBA is committed to safeguarding the nation from potential risks associated with modern biotechnology. He stated that regulators must ensure that every GMO entering, transiting, or being developed within the country meets the highest safety and ethical standards, highlighting the importance of vigilance, professionalism, and technical excellence.
Ngetich elaborated that the NBA’s mandate includes assessing and regulating scientific innovations, as well as enforcing biosafety measures at borders, which serve as the first and most critical point of control. He described the Authority’s officers at these entry points as gatekeepers who prevent unauthorized or unapproved GMOs from entering the national system. Additionally, the NBA is tasked with supervising and controlling the transfer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure safety for human and animal health and to protect the environment.
Kenya has approved several GMOs for confined field trials, including Bt maize in Kiboko and Kitale, drought-tolerant maize in Kiboko, and Virus Resistant Sweet Potato in Kakamega. Other trials include Virus Resistant Cassava in Mtwapa, Thika, and Alupe, BioCassava Plus at Alupe in Busia County, GM potato at KALRO in Molo, Muguga, and Njabini, and Water Efficient Maize for Africa and African Biofortified Sorghum in Kiboko, Makueni County. Ngetich stressed the NBA’s role in facilitating the approval of safe biotech crops and animal breeds resistant to pests and diseases, contributing to increased food production.
