NAIVASHA, Kenya — As the world marks Food Safety Day, Kenya’s scientific and agricultural communities are preparing to converge in Naivasha next week for a major conference on the future of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will host its 13th Annual Biosafety Conference on Tuesday, June 10, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in biotechnology to discuss the safe use and regulation of GMOs.
The event will take place at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha and is expected to spark important conversations about food security, innovation, and public health.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is set to officially open the conference, which comes at a time when Kenya is navigating both public concerns and policy shifts around the adoption of GMOs in farming and food production.
The NBA, a state agency established under the Biosafety Act, is tasked with overseeing the transfer, handling, and use of GMOs in Kenya.
NATIONAL BIOSAFETY AUTHORITY 13TH ANNUAL BIOSAFETY CONFERENCE #13thbiosafetyconference2025 #BiosafetyKenya Theme: 13 Years Later: Building Trust and Ensuring Safety of the Genetically Modified Organisms @kilimoKE @Mutahi__Kagwe @KilimoNews @KTNNewsKE @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya
Its mandate includes ensuring that biotechnological advancements do not pose risks to human and animal health or the environment.
This year’s conference aligns with the global theme of World Food Safety Day, which emphasizes the importance of safe food in achieving sustainable development and zero hunger.
Organizers say the Naivasha meeting will offer a platform to review Kenya’s progress in biosafety regulation and address emerging challenges as more countries, including Kenya, explore genetically modified crops to tackle food insecurity and climate change.
