NBA steps up public awareness on GMOs in Coast Region
By Michael Omondi (KNA)
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 (CEO) Dr. Ann Karimi led the Authority in a series of stakeholder sensitisation forums in Lamu and Kwale counties over the same.
The engagements are part of a nationwide 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 Kenya, 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,” the Chairman said.
Dr. Karimi reiterated the Authority’s commitment to remaining impartial in discussions and debates surrounding GMOs. She said 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.
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.
Led by 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,” Wamatsi reaffirmed.
He further stressed 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.
Ends