NBA steps up nationwide campaign to counter GMO misinformation
The National Biosafety Authority has intensified its nationwide campaign to counter misinformation on GMOs.
Nairobi, Kenya - The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has ramped up its nationwide public awareness campaign to address misinformation and disinformation surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). NBA Board Chairperson David Wamatsi and Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Ann Karimi have been engaged in stakeholder meetings aimed at educating farmers and communities on the Authority's regulatory role and the science behind biotechnology.
The campaign is taking place in Lamu and Kwale counties, where the NBA held sensitization forums, community walks, and discussions with local officials.
Wamatsi emphasized that the NBA's primary responsibility is to regulate GMOs while ensuring the safety and well-being of humans and animals, as well as protecting the environment. He stressed that the Authority's role is to provide science-based information, not to push for or against GMO technology. Karimi reiterated that the NBA does not take a stance on GMOs, instead relying on evidence and its regulatory mandate to guide its decisions.
The campaign has been prompted by ongoing public debates over GMOs in Kenya. A 2026 study found that public perceptions remain divided, and there are gaps in awareness of biotechnology and the institutions involved. In Lamu, the NBA conducted sensitization programs, with officials meeting with local leaders to discuss biosafety and biotechnology. In Kwale, a 10-kilometer community walk called "Walking for a Biosafe Nation" was organized to raise awareness about GMOs among residents of Msambweni Sub-County.
The NBA's 2023-2027 strategic plan highlights public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making as crucial components of its regulatory work. The Authority has previously conducted county-level awareness forums and developed informational materials on biosafety and GMOs. As Kenya continues to grapple with the role of biotechnology in agriculture, food security, and environmental protection, the NBA aims to position itself as the regulator and source of science-based information on GMO-related activities.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
