The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has revealed plans to collaborate with curriculum developers to incorporate biosafety elements into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya. This initiative is designed to ensure that learners are well-versed in biotechnology and biosafety at an early stage, especially for those aspiring to pursue careers in the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. According to NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Nehemiah Ngetich, the move is a critical step in fostering awareness of biosafety, a key area in agricultural and scientific innovation.
“We now have a new curriculum, the competency-based curriculum (CBC), and therefore issues touching on biosafety need to be incorporated in,” stated Mr. Ngetich during an internal stakeholders’ engagement forum. This collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is aimed at developing curriculum content that equips students with a sound understanding of biotechnology, its applications, and the safety protocols necessary for its responsible use.
Biosafety is of increasing importance as Kenya embraces modern agricultural technologies, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology-driven advancements. The country’s agricultural transformation is a central pillar of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA), which aims to address several key sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), healthcare, and digital innovation. This agenda is focused on alleviating the cost of living, eradicating hunger, creating jobs, and improving the nation’s foreign exchange balance. Therefore, education on biotechnology and biosafety becomes crucial to ensure that the workforce is adequately prepared to engage with these advancements.
The curriculum reform aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes science and technology as vital drivers of the country’s economic growth. As biotechnology and GMOs gain prominence, the need for young people to understand biosafety becomes more urgent. Mr. Ngetich pointed out that achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in science and mathematics education is unlikely without a deep understanding of biosafety and biotechnology. By introducing these subjects early in the education system, students will be better prepared for the future challenges and opportunities within these sectors.
The KICD, which is responsible for developing curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary education, will play a key role in integrating biosafety into the CBC. Universities in Kenya also have the autonomy to develop their own specialized curricula, ensuring that higher education institutions can continue to build expertise in this area.
As part of its broader strategy, the NBA is also engaging county governments to ensure the safety of GMOs and their derived products. The authority aims to reinforce the regulatory framework surrounding GMOs, assuring the public of the safety and benefits of these technologies. This comes after a recent ruling by the High Court, which dismissed a case challenging the lifting of the GMO ban. The court upheld the Cabinet’s decision to allow the importation and use of GMOs, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to developing a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate genetically modified products.
Kenya has established a comprehensive framework that includes application requirements, safety assessments, and monitoring processes for GMOs. This regulatory structure ensures that any introduction of GMOs into the country is conducted with the highest levels of safety for both human consumption and environmental impact. As the NBA works to expand its partnerships with public universities for research and development in biotechnology, the country is steadily positioning itself as a leader in the region’s agricultural and biotechnological innovations.
This initiative to include biosafety in the CBC curriculum is a forward-thinking step towards ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of biotechnology. With Kenya’s ongoing focus on science, technology, and innovation, strengthening education in biosafety will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic transformation and global competitiveness.
