The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced plans to build its headquarters at the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Kabete. This facility will also host a state-of-the-art Regional Reference Molecular Laboratory for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s biosafety journey.
The new headquarters will enhance NBA’s capacity to regulate GMOs and their derived products, ensuring safety for humans, animals, and the environment. Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Veterinary Services, the Authority’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Nehemiah Ngetich, highlighted the importance of the development.
“This is a big milestone, considering NBA has been renting office spaces which has posed a challenge in establishing a permanent molecular lab for GMO detection and other molecular tests,” Ngetich stated.
The facility will also include a demonstration field for approved genetically modified crops, enabling stakeholders to observe GMO applications and their benefits firsthand.
A Step Forward in Biosafety Regulation
The NBA’s new GMO Testing Laboratory, previously commissioned in June 2022 at the NACOSTI Building, significantly increased the Authority’s capacity to perform molecular tests and detect GMOs in regulatory samples from points of entry, markets, and client submissions. The upcoming Regional Reference Molecular Laboratory in Kabete will build upon these advancements, positioning Kenya as a leader in GMO regulation within the region.
The Authority has been actively working to establish a robust legal and institutional framework to regulate GMOs, which includes the publication of four critical biosafety regulations:
- Biosafety (Contained Use) Regulations, 2011
- Biosafety (Import, Export, and Transit) Regulations, 2011
- Biosafety (Environmental Release) Regulations, 2011
- Biosafety (Labeling) Regulations, 2012
These regulations provide a strong foundation for supervising the handling, transfer, and use of GMOs while ensuring safety for public health and the environment.
Collaboration for Enhanced Capacity
The MoU signing event was attended by several key stakeholders, including Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario, Chairperson of the NBA Board of Directors, and Dr. Allan Azengele, Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Dr. Azengele expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that it would enhance the institution’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“This collaboration will significantly aid both institutions in meeting their shared objectives of promoting biosafety and advancing agricultural innovation,” he stated.
Board members Mohamed Hussein, Moses Sande, Dr. Ann Karimi, and Josphat Muchiri also graced the occasion, underscoring the event’s importance.
Aligning with Global and National Goals
Kenya, a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the safe transfer, handling, and use of GMOs. This international agreement provides an additional layer of protection to safeguard the environment and public health.
The construction of the new facility also aligns with the Kenyan government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By enhancing agricultural transformation and inclusive growth, the NBA is contributing to the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the broader agricultural sector.
Supporting Agricultural Transformation
The NBA’s role in regulating GMOs supports Kenya’s agricultural goals by fostering innovation while safeguarding environmental and public health. The new facility in Kabete will also serve as a critical resource for the region, strengthening Kenya’s position as a biosafety leader in Africa.
With a permanent headquarters and an advanced molecular laboratory, the Authority is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for GMO testing and regulation, supporting sustainable agricultural development.
As the country embraces agricultural biotechnology to address food security and climate challenges, the NBA’s efforts will ensure that these advancements are achieved safely and responsibly. The Kabete facility is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to balancing innovation with biosafety.
