The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) was established under the Biosafety Act, No. 2 of 2009, and began operations in 2010. The NBA’s mandate is to regulate, monitor, and promote the safe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya. It ensures the protection of human health, the environment, and biodiversity by overseeing biotechnology applications in agriculture, industry, and research. The Authority plays a critical role in ensuring that GMO-related activities adhere to safety standards, fostering public trust while enabling innovation in biotechnology for sustainable development.
CEO: Nehemiah Ngetich
Nehemiah holds a degree in Biotechnology and has extensive experience in biosafety regulation and agricultural biotechnology. He has worked in leadership roles focused on implementing biosafety policies, managing GMO safety, and promoting biotechnology initiatives.
Management Team
Nehemiah Ngetich
CEO
Moses Lukale Sande
Director Legal Services /Corporation Secretary
Dr. Ann N. Karimi
Director Corporation Services
Board of Governors
Prof. Jenesio I. Kinyamario
Chairman
Dr. Roselida A. Owour
Rep of P.S Science & Technology
Caroline Mweni
Representative of the National Treasury
Archibald Munyi
Board Member
Functions
- Regulation of GMOs – Establishes guidelines for the safe use, handling, and development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya.
- Environmental Safety – Assesses and mitigates risks posed by GMOs to human health, biodiversity, and the environment.
- Approval of GMO Activities – Evaluates and approves applications for GMO research, importation, and commercialization.
- Monitoring & Surveillance – Conducts continuous monitoring of GMO activities to ensure compliance with biosafety standards.
- Public Awareness – Educates the public on the benefits, risks, and safety of GMOs and biotechnology.
- Advisory Role – Provides technical advice to the government and other stakeholders on biosafety matters.
- Capacity Building – Strengthens institutional and human resource capacities for effective biosafety management and GMO monitoring.
- Coordination of Stakeholders – Facilitates collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector in biosafety matters.
- Regulation of GMO Imports – Oversees the importation of GMOs, ensuring they meet safety standards before entry into Kenya.
- International Cooperation – Collaborates with international bodies to align Kenya’s biosafety policies with global best practices and regulations.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- National Biosafety Authority, NACOSTI Building, Loresho, Off Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.
- P.O. Box 28251-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- info@biosafetykenya.go.ke
- +254 20 218 0037 |+254 709 107 237