Government Moves To Improve Public Understanding Of GMOs

By Staff Writer

The government has embarked on a multi-agency public sensitization programme to address misinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) amid increasing national debate over biotechnology, food production and environmental safety.

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is leading the initiative in Kakamega County alongside several government agencies under a “One Government approach” aimed at improving public understanding of genetically modified organisms and strengthening delivery of services to farmers and local communities.

The awareness campaign will begin at Bukura Agricultural College with engagements involving agriculture and biotechnology students, lecturers and farmers before culminating in a two-day public forum at the Kenya Medical Training College in Mumias East Constituency.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh, Kakamega Governor Dr. Fernandes Barasa and chief executive officers from state corporations within the Ministry of Agriculture are expected to attend the forum focusing on biotechnology awareness and biosafety regulation.

The event, organized jointly by the NBA and the County Government of Kakamega, is being held under the theme “Enhancing Public Awareness and Regulation of GMOs in Kenya” as authorities intensify public education efforts nationwide.

According to NBA Chairman David Wamatsi, the authority is operating within an environment where misinformation, scientific advancement and shifting policies increasingly influence public perception regarding biotechnology, food security, health innovation and climate resilience in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

“We remain committed to promoting biosafety, transparency, and meaningful public engagement,” said Mr. Wamatsi, noting that public trust, scientific literacy and open stakeholder consultations remain critical in strengthening confidence around biotechnology regulation and Kenya’s evolving agricultural transformation agenda.

NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi said the programme seeks to improve public understanding of biotechnology, counter misinformation and encourage science-based discussions supporting food security, sustainable agriculture and Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

The NBA was established under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320, to supervise and regulate the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms while safeguarding human health, animal safety and environmental protection across the country.

Kenya signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2000 before ratifying it in 2003, committing the country to international standards governing the safe regulation and management of genetically modified organisms.

The Cartagena Protocol provides an international framework guiding countries on the safe handling, transportation and use of genetically modified organisms while recognizing potential risks associated with emerging technologies and promoting environmental and human safety protections.

Globally, genetically modified crops are widely used to improve resistance against pests, diseases and harsh weather conditions, while scientists also associate biotechnology with increased crop yields, enhanced nutrition and improved agricultural productivity.

The World Health Organization states that genetically modified foods currently available on international markets have undergone safety assessments and are not considered likely to present risks to human health when approved under established regulatory procedures.

The Food and Agriculture Organization has previously noted that biotechnology can contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing countries facing hunger, climate pressures and increasing demand for agricultural productivity.

Despite scientific backing from international agencies, genetically modified organisms continue attracting criticism from environmental groups and consumer organizations raising concerns over biodiversity, ecological effects, herbicide use and possible long-term health implications associated with some biotechnology applications.

Kenya lifted its decade-long ban on genetically modified crops in 2022, paving the way for commercial cultivation and importation of GMO products as part of government efforts to address food shortages and strengthen climate-resilient agriculture.