The National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which regulates GMOs in the country, has released a list of commercially approved GM plants, animals, microorganisms and veterinary vaccines and their derived products.
In a letter to government agencies operating at the entry and exit ports, dated 29th June 2026, NBA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Ann Karimi said importation of any product from these plants, animals, microorganisms or veterinary vaccines would require clearance by the Authority in line with provisions of the Biosafety Act.
The letter was addressed to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Department of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Pest Control Products Board((PCPB), Directorate of Veterinary Services and Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).
“These products are traded globally between and among countries. The Authority has already profiled the relevant Harmonized System (HS) codes of these products, and we request the cooperation and assistance of your officers at various entry and exit points to ensure that these products are cleared by NBA before their release,” said Dr Karimi.
She added that NBA officers are present at the points of entry and exit and will be able to advise accordingly on the steps to be taken in case of non-compliance.
Harmonized System Code is a globally standardized, 6-digit numerical system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is used to classify traded products, allowing customs authorities worldwide to accurately identify items.
The Authority is a state corporation mandated under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320 to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and providing adequate protection of the environment. The Authority is also the National Focal Point to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Among the approved GM products for cultivation are Bt cotton in Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Nigeria and Malawi. Bt cotton is also cultivated in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Paraguay, USA, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia and Uruguay.
Countries where Bt Cotton is approved for Food, Feed, ornamental, and processing include Australia, Costa Rica, Myanmar, Pakistan, USA, Bangladesh, Uruguay, European Union, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Colombia, Paraguay, Philippines, Singapore, Canada, India, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, UK, Turkey, Vietnam, USA, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Nigeria and Malawi.
GM maize has been approved for cultivation in South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia.
by Joseph Ng’ang’a
