National Biosafety Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with higher learning institutions to train more students on modern biotechnology-related courses.
Faith Akinyi, a biotechnology student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat), said the course is helping young scientists understand how innovation can solve challenges facing farmers.
“Many young people are beginning to appreciate biotechnology because we can already see its potential in improving crop production, fighting pests and helping farmers cope with climate change. We also learn the importance of biosafety and responsible use of science,” she said.
NBA acting chief executive Ann Karimi said they have already signed an MoU with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on the training of students undertaking modern biotechnology-related courses.
“We are also pleased that another memorandum of understanding with Chuka University is set to be signed in June this year,” she said during a science café at Bukura Agricultural College.
Karimi said these partnerships are a clear demonstration of its commitment to manpower development, which is one of the core mandates of the National Biosafety Authority under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320.
“As an authority, we recognise that the future of safe and responsible biotechnology lies in empowering institutions of learning, researchers, lecturers and students with the necessary knowledge, skills and practical exposure in biosafety and biotechnology,” she said.
According to the Commission for University Education, Kenya has more than 70 universities and constituent colleges, with several institutions already offering biotechnology and related science programmes.
These include Jkuat, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Moi University and MMUST.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows university enrolment in Kenya has continued to rise over the years, increasing demand for science, technology and innovation courses that support food security, health and industrial development.
Karimi added that they working across the board to ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not hinder the rollout and understanding of genetically modified organisms.
She said that public awareness, scientific literacy and evidence-based communication remain critical in ensuring that Kenyans appreciate the role of biotechnology in food security, environmental sustainability and economic development.
“The collaborations we are establishing with universities will involve active participation of staff and students in several important areas.
“These include training and capacity building, supervision of students and trainees, field and industrial attachment programmes, short-term professional training, provision of internal and external examiners, engagement of part-time lecturers, and development of training modules on biosafety and biosafety regulatory compliance,” she said.
Under the Biosafety Act, Cap 320, NBA is mandated to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of GMOs with a view to ensuring the safety of human and animal health, as well as adequate protection of the environment.
Kenya signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in the year 2000 and ratified it in 2003, with the NBA serving as the national focal point.
This international agreement, she said, seeks to ensure the safe regulation and utilisation of modern biotechnology while recognising and addressing potential risks associated with emerging technologies.
Karimi encouraged more institutions to embrace biosafety education and research in order to prepare the next generation of scientists, regulators and innovators who will guide Kenya safely into the future of biotechnology.
Paul Kuria, principal of Bukura Agricultural College in Kakamega county, said the need to continue enhancing training of our youth in agriculture because they are the future of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“Modern biotechnology and biosafety are no longer future topics, they are current and critical tools for addressing food security, climate change, pests, diseases, and low productivity.
“They link it to real Kenyan challenges such as cassava brown streak disease, fall armyworm, and drought. In addition to how modern biotechnology offers solutions such as drought resistance varieties that could help mitigate climate change.”
Kuria stressed on the importance of evidence-based understanding, noting the need to move away from fear and misinformation toward science-based knowledge.
“Students need to understand both the science and the safety mechanisms that the NBA uses to regulate biotechnology so that they can be good ambassadors of promoting safe use of biotechnology including GMOs,” he said.
Bukura college is a state corporation under the State Department of Agriculture mandated to provide quality agricultural training through the integration of research, innovation and extension services for improved agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
