NBA Intensifies GMO Awareness Campaign to Counter Misinformation, Build Public Trust
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) held a successful two-day awareness campaign on GMOs in Mumias East, in Kakamega County as it seeks to end misinformation and disinformation on GM products.
In day one of the event that attracted thousands of participants and participation of more than 30 government agencies, the Authority’s Chairman Mr. David Wamatsi assured Kenyans that the government will not approve any product that will harm their health.
Speaking during the event at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Mr. Wamatsi emphasised that it is important for Kenyans to get the right information and that is why the Authority had embarked on a series of awareness creation so that its mandate as a regulator is fully appreciated.
“GMOs approval have strict processes and it is not done by a single agency, we work with Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), KEPHIS among others regulatory agencies,” said Mr. Wamatsi.
He assured Kenyans that the government cannot approve something that will harm them after use.
“We are here today to sensitize the public on the mandate of the Authority so that they have the right information about the National Biosafety Authority as the regulator of GMOs,” said Mr. Wamatsi.
Mr James Wanjohi, who is in charge of State Corporation in the State Department for Agriculture, urged Kenyans to embrace modern biotechnology saying that it is the way to go.
“We must be ready to embrace change at any given time and should not be always resistant to new ideas,” said Mr. Wanjohi.
The public engagement, awareness creation in Kakamega in collaboration with other government agencies under” One Government approach” for better service deliver to farmers and the public will enter its second day on Friday.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh and Kakamega Governor Dr. Farnandes Barasa, various chairpersons and chief executive officers of state corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture will grace the occasion that aims to enhance public understanding of modern biotechnology while addressing misinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms and emerging biotechnologies.
The awareness creation forum is being hosted by the National Biosafety Authority in collaboration with the County Government of Kakamega under the theme: “Enhancing Public Awareness and Regulation of GMOs in Kenya”
According to Mr. Wamatsi, 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 therefore placing the institution at the center of national discourse
“We remain committed to promoting biosafety, transparency, and meaningful public engagement,” said Mr. Wamatsi.
NBA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi said the public awareness forum aims to enhance public understanding of modern biotechnologies and biosafety, address misinformation and disinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms and other emerging biotechnologies, and promote informed, science-based discussions in support of food security and agricultural transformation.
The Authority is a state corporation mandated under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320, to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring the safety of human and animal health and provision of adequate protection of the environment.
Kenya signed Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2000 and ratified it in 2003 with National Biosafety Authority as the national focus point.
This is an international agreement which aims to ensure the regulation of GMOs to ensure their safety to humans.
