KENYA – The Kenya National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced that commercial firms willing to engage in marketing of the recently approved genetically modified foods (GMOs) will have to part with KES 850, 000 (US$5260) if a new proposal is passed.
The Authority also said that the new rates would also apply to those renewing environmental approvals after the expiration of 10 years.
“The Act requires the Authority to prescribe fees for the services it offers. In this regard, the Authority has prepared a schedule of the proposed fees, which is available at www.biosafetykenya.go.ke. In line with the requirements of the law, the Authority is conducting public participation on the proposed fees,” the authority said in a gazetted advert.
In addition, the authority called upon members of the public to submit their comments within 21 days from the date of this notice, January 17, for consideration.
Likewise, to obtain genome-editing authorization for study, non-commercial players must spend KES 170,000 (US$ 1050)
Application fees of KES 40,000 (US$ 250) per shipment will apply for the transit of GMOs or anything derived from them via Kenya.
Likewise, KES 30,000 (US$ 185) will be required to register and license GMO manufacture, packaging, and storage, among other activities.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of the recent verdict by the Kenya court, dismissing the case challenging the country’s move to lift a 10-year ban on the cultivation and commercial of genetically modified crops.
In a judgment delivered on October 12, 2023, the court said the petitioners did not provide evidence that GMOs harm the environment or human health.
The judge said that in addition to the Biosafety Act 2009 and regulations, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which was the second respondent, has adopted guidelines that govern the safety procedures.
He detailed that the body has adopted guidelines that govern the procedures for environmental release and placing of the market of GMOs, the procedure for receiving, administrative screening, and handling GMOs.
“All of these are intended to guarantee protection of the right to a clean and healthy environment,” he said.
According to NBA, Kenya has approved 58 GM projects – 40 for contained use in the laboratory or greenhouse, 15 for confined field trials, and three for environmental release or commercial cultivation.
With the court case now settled, scientists and the National Biosafety Authority were given the authority to release the variety of GM crops that have been developed and approved and create more as the country struggles with food security challenges.
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