National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has partnered with Scientist of Kenya Association (SCOKA) on various initiatives to support young people interested in Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Country.
NBA acting Chief Executive officer Mr. Nehemiah Ngetich observed that understanding biosafety is important for future scientists and responsible citizens.
“Let’s explore science responsibly and contribute to innovation. As a regulator, the NBA recognizes the importance of involving youth who are engaged with current biotechnologies, “said Mr. Ngetich during a forum on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) challenge for future innovation that was presided over by Spouse of the Deputy President Dr. Joyce Kithure at Daystar University in Machakos County.
Dr. Kithure had earlier on visited the National Biosafety Authority booth in order to understand the mandate of the Authority which is to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of adequate protection of the environment.
The event was attended by hundreds of students in secondary school and who also participated in an innovation contest.
Mr. Ngetich took the students through career careers courses related to the Authority’s work among them: Biotechnology Researcher, Environmental Scientist, Food Safety Officer, Biosafety Inspector and Science Communicator.
He emphasized to the participants the crucial role played by the Authority ensuring the safe use of modern biotechnology in Kenya and regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to protect human health, animal health and the environment.
“Biotechnology can improve agriculture, medicine, and industry. Without proper regulation, GMOs may pose environmental harm, unintended health effects, and ethical concerns and therefore NBA ensures that biotechnological advancements are safe and beneficial to Kenyans,” added Mr. Ngetich.
On the Authority’s role in science and innovation, Mr. Ngetich said the agency encourages safe research and development in biotechnology and biosafety, provides guidance to researchers and institutions on safety protocols, ensuring responsible innovation and works with universities, research institutes, and industry stakeholders in realizing its mandate.
He added that the Authority has a duty to protect Kenyans by ensuring that GMO food and products are tested and safe, monitors environmental impacts of biotechnology and engages scientists, policymakers, and the public in decision-making.
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, animals and environment.
The protocol is part of the global convention on biological diversity (CBD) and provides a framework for the utilization of biotechnology while also recognizing the potential risks that may be posed by the new technologies.
