The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has opened offices in three locations to specifically handle consignments of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their derived products being imported into Kenya.
Three new offices are in addition to a similar number that had already been set up to ensure that no GMOsand their derived products are brought into Kenya without approval.
The latest offices are at the One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) in Malaba in Busia County, Lunga Lunga in Kwale County and Taita Taveta, in Taita Taveta County.
National Biosafety Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Nehemiah Ng’etich says: “Yes, the three offices are now operational. We now have six offices that also include, Mombasa, Busia and Namanga.”
Ng’etich says plans are underway to set up more offices at the 24 entry points into Kenya.
This comes after the High Court last month dismissed a case against lifting of a ban on GMOs and their derived products re-affirming the Cabinet decision that lifted the ban on GMOs of 3rd October 2022.
Kenya approved the commercialization of GMO Cotton, which has been in cultivation since the year 2020.