- The National Biosafety Authority has intensified public sensitisation on GMOs, biosafety and biotechnology in coastal counties.
- Ouma Wanzala reports that the campaign seeks to counter misinformation and improve public understanding of GMO regulation.
- More than 330 participants also joined a 10-kilometre biosafety awareness walk in Kwale County.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has stepped up public awareness efforts to address misinformation and disinformation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) across the country.
NBA Board Chairman David Wamatsi and Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Ann Karimi led the Authority in a series of stakeholder sensitisation forums in Lamu and Kwale counties.
The engagements are part of a series of activities that the Authority has been conducting across the country as part of its public awareness campaign aimed at addressing misinformation and disinformation on GMOs and promoting a better understanding of biosafety and biotechnology.
Speaking during the engagements, Wamatsi underscored the Authority’s mandate as the regulator of GMOs in the country, noting that its primary focus is to safeguard human and animal health and protect the environment.
“We are here to explain to our farmers and other stakeholders what we do as an Authority so that they can have a better understanding,” said Wamatsi.
Dr Karimi reiterated the Authority’s commitment to remaining impartial in discussions and debates surrounding GMOs. She noted that, as a regulator, the Authority is neither for nor against the technology, but is guided by science, evidence and its mandate to ensure safety.
Lamu Deputy Governor Mubarak Mohamed echoed these sentiments, noting that Kenya cannot afford to lag behind in technological development.
“We must be ready to embrace new technologies that come with several benefits, including disease control and the development of drought-resistant products,” he said.
Earlier, the NBA team held discussions with Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Shogolo to brief him on the Authority’s ongoing public awareness campaigns and efforts to engage communities and stakeholders on biosafety and biotechnology.
Walking for a Biosafe Nation
In Kwale County, the Authority, in collaboration with other stakeholders, held a 10-kilometre community walk dubbed “Walking for a Biosafe Nation” to sensitise residents of Msambweni Sub-County on biosafety, biotechnology and GMOs.
The walk started at Mwabungo and ended at Kinondo Social Hall, passing through Galu Beach, where participants were taken through the mandate and role of the Authority in regulating GMOs and promoting biosafety.
The walk attracted more than 330 participants, who braved the morning cold to take part in the awareness initiative. It started at 7am and ended at 9am.
Led by Board Chairman David Wamatsi, the Authority reiterated its mandate as the regulator of GMOs in the country, emphasising that the safety of Kenyans and protection of the environment remain central to its work.
“We are here to explain to our farmers and other stakeholders what we do as an Authority so that they are able to have a better understanding,” said Wamatsi.
Wamatsi further emphasised the role of the Authority in ensuring that GMOs are regulated in accordance with the law and based on scientific evidence, urging stakeholders to engage with the Authority and seek accurate information on biosafety, biotechnology and GMOs.
Dr Karimi reiterated the Authority’s commitment to remaining impartial in GMO discussions and debates, noting that, as a regulator, the Authority is neither pro- nor anti-GMO. Rather, it relies on science, evidence and its regulatory mandate to assess and oversee GMO-related activities.
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Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner Josphat Mutisya flagged off the walk and urged the Authority to extend the campaign across Kenya so that people can fully understand its mandate.
By Ouma Wanzala
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