Board Urged To Sharpen Role Amid GMO Debate

By Our Correspondet

The National Biosafety Authority must close ranks and sharpen its oversight as the country grapples with debate over genetically modified organisms, Board Chairperson David Omusotsi has said.

He said Kenya’s agricultural transformation and commitment to science-driven solutions placed the authority at the centre of national discourse and that meant unity, professionalism, and responsiveness must be beyond reproach.

Omusotsi spoke during a team-building retreat for board members and senior management in Diani, Kwale County, where he stressed unity and institutional discipline.

“As the National Biosafety Authority, we are entrusted with a critical mandate to regulate, facilitate, and oversee the safe development, transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms in Kenya,” he said.

He noted that the Authority sits at the intersection of science, policy and public opinion, often operating in an environment shaped by misinformation and shifting regulations.

The rising concerns over food security, climate resilience and health innovation, he said, had intensified scrutiny of the regulator, adding that the Authority’s unity, professionalism and responsiveness must remain beyond reproach.

He urged board members to engage fully in deliberations and training, adding that performance must be measured against clear deliverables tied to the Authority’s mandate.

“The success of this Authority depends on the strength of its leadership and the quality of its planning. I encourage all Board members to engage actively in the training sessions, ask questions, and seek clarity where needed,” he stressed.

The chairperson pledged to promote transparent decision-making, continuous capacity building under State Corporations Advisory Committee guidelines, and strict adherence to the law.

He also emphasised the separation of roles between the board and management, saying policy direction rests with the board while implementation remains the responsibility of the chief executive.

“Together, let’s move this institution to the next level of efficiency and integrity,” he said, while declaring the retreat open, calling on members to return to their stations with renewed focus and shared purpose.

On February 9, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba appointed him chairperson of the authority’s Board of Directors for three years. He replaces Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario, who died last month.

Omusotsi previously served as Council Chairman of Kenya Utalii College.