Kenya Unveils National Biosafety Authority Strategic Plan 2023–2027: A New Era for Biotechnology and Biosecurity

Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) officially launched its Strategic Plan 2023–2027, setting the country on a clear path toward enhancing the regulation, safety, and responsible innovation in modern biotechnology. The breakfast meeting brought together key national and international stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, researchers, development partners, and representatives from other government agencies.

The launch was presided over by Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, CBS, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. He was joined by the NBA Board of Directors, led by Prof. Jenesio I. Kinyamario, the Board Chairperson, and Mr. Nehemiah Kiprotich Ngetich, the Acting CEO of NBA. Also present were CEOs of various government agencies, senior ministry officials, and distinguished guests from the private and development sectors.

Strategic Roadmap Anchored in Vision 2030 and Global Frameworks

In his keynote address, Dr. Ronoh described the NBA Strategic Plan 2023–2027 as a “crucial roadmap” that has been carefully crafted through inclusive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. The plan is designed to steer NBA’s institutional priorities and guide its operations toward achieving strategic goals that align with Kenya Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV), the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and international commitments such as the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, African Union Agenda 2063, and the East African Community Vision 2050.

He extended his congratulations to the NBA Board, recognizing their leadership and vision in guiding the development of such an elaborate strategic document. “The plan is a firm reflection of the government's commitment to safeguarding human and animal health, protecting the environment, and fostering responsible innovation in modern biotechnology,” he added.

NBA’s Expanding Role in Kenya’s Bioeconomy

Dr. Ronoh noted that modern biotechnology is no longer a marginal field but is central to multiple sectors including agriculture, environmental conservation, public health, wildlife, forestry, and fisheries. He highlighted that the NBA's placement within the agricultural and livestock development ecosystem gives it a unique vantage point to drive innovation and regulatory oversight in biotechnology.

The strategic plan outlines eight Key Result Areas (KRAs):

1. Public awareness and education on biosafety

2. Dynamic laws and institutional policies on biosafety

3. Biosafety assessment, compliance, and enforcement

4. Biosafety information management

5. Stakeholder engagement

6. Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

7. Infrastructural and operational efficiency

8. Human resource management

Each KRA is supported by targeted strategies and implementation plans designed to improve regulatory outcomes, streamline operations, and enhance national capacity to manage genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and related technologies.

Resource Mobilization and Implementation Commitments

Dr. Ronoh acknowledged that successful implementation of the Strategic Plan will require substantial financial and human resources. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development would continue supporting NBA by mobilizing and allocating the necessary resources.

Highlighting NBA’s Major Achievements

Dr. Ronoh took the opportunity to highlight the NBA’s achievements under its previous strategic plan and ongoing activities. These include:

• Approval for commercial cultivation of Bt cotton (2020), a key milestone in Kenya’s adoption of GM crops.

• Commissioning of the IGMEL (International Genetically Modified Organism Environmental Laboratory) testing facility in 2022.

• Automation of services via the eCitizen platform and County Service Portals, increasing transparency and public access.

• Ongoing ISO certification and adoption of Quality Management Systems.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, including tree planting in schools to raise biosafety awareness.

• Decentralization of NBA services to regions such as Mombasa, Busia, Namanga, Malaba, and Loitokitok.

• Land allocation for the construction of NBA headquarters and a Regional Reference GMO Testing Laboratory in Maliki.

Dr. Ronoh also commended the NBA for implementing key biosafety regulations including:

• Biosafety (Contained Use) Regulations, 2011

• Biosafety (Import, Export and Transit) Regulations, 2011

• Biosafety (Environmental Release) Regulations, 2011

• Biosafety (Labeling) Regulations

Stakeholder Collaboration and Visionary Governance

The Principal Secretary emphasized the critical role played by visionary governance, dedicated staff, and strong partnerships in NBA’s continued success.

A National Commitment to Biosafety

Dr. Ronoh affirmed Kenya’s commitment to biosafety, highlighting the legal, regulatory, and institutional capacities already in place to ensure the safe handling of GMOs.