Wamatsi leads NBA in public awareness to end GMO misinformation

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced plans to step up public awareness to help Kenyans better understand and appreciate the Authority’s mandate.

Board of Directors Chairperson Mr. David Wamatsi said the Authority, is entrusted with a critical mandate to regulate, facilitate, and oversee the safe development, transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya.

“As you are aware, the Authority operates in an environment where misinformation shapes public perception, scientific advancement, and policy shifts constantly intersect. Questions around food security, climate resilience, health innovation, and sustainable development are becoming more urgent. Kenya’s agricultural transformation and commitment to science-driven solutions place us at the center of national discourse,” said Mr. Wamatsi during team building exercise for board members and senior management in Diani, Kwale County.

In undertaking this crucial mandate, the Chairperson observed that the unity, professionalism, and responsiveness of board members and staff must be beyond reproach.

“This responsibility requires technical excellence, integrity, teamwork and collaborations. This exercise will therefore provide a comprehensive understanding of our mission, strategic goals, governance systems, and operational environment,” he added.

The team building session provided an opportunity for the directors and senior management to strengthen collaboration, enhance teamwork, and align strategic priorities, reinforcing a shared commitment to excellence in service delivery.

“Together, we remain committed to promoting biosafety, transparency, and meaningful public engagement,” said Mr. Wamatsi and appreciated President William Ruto for having given him an opportunity to serve this great institution as its chairperson.

He went on : “As an institution, we must deliver on our mandate, no single board member, director or staff can do this alone and thus important to note and appreciate that none of us is as smart as all of us, alone we can do little, together we can do so much. Your success is my success and our success. To succeed as an organization, we have to balance and for us to do this we have keep moving. There are no secrets to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. “

Mr. Wamatsi committed to chair and conduct efficient board meetings and guide the boards decision making, ensure board members are all inducted in accordance with SCAC guidelines and taken through continuous training to arm them well enough execute their duties and responsibilities.