Starting October 1, 2024, Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will introduce new levies for businesses handling genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This move comes as the country intensifies its efforts to regulate and ensure the safe management of GMOs, both for public health and environmental sustainability.
The centerpiece of these regulations is the introduction of a KSh 5,500 fee per consignment for obtaining a GMO-Free Certificate. This certificate is mandatory for all GMO importers to verify that their consignments meet the required biosafety standards. This levy aims to provide a streamlined and standardized process for monitoring and controlling the entry of GMOs into the Kenyan market.
In addition to the GMO-Free Certificate, other fees will be applied for various services related to GMO handling:
KSh 2,000 for GMO testing upon request: This optional testing is available for those seeking to further verify the contents of their products or ensure compliance with GMO-related standards.
- KSh 10,000 for annual inspections at containment facilities: This fee applies to businesses that store GMOs in designated containment areas, ensuring that proper storage and safety protocols are followed.
For companies involved in the distribution and commercialization of GMOs, the NBA has outlined a more comprehensive fee structure. Annual fees for businesses in the GMO distribution chain could reach up to KSh 30,000, depending on the scale and nature of the operation. These costs will be imposed on both small and large businesses, reflecting the NBA’s focus on ensuring safety across the entire supply chain.
The introduction of these fees is part of the NBA’s broader strategy to regulate GMOs in the country while providing the necessary resources for continuous monitoring and inspection. The authority has emphasized that the fees will help support its mandate to safeguard both public health and the environment from potential risks associated with GMOs.
The NBA’s decision to roll out these levies comes at a time when the conversation around GMOs in Kenya is becoming increasingly relevant. Kenya lifted its long-standing ban on the cultivation and importation of GMOs in 2022, sparking debate among stakeholders about the benefits and potential risks of genetically modified crops. Proponents of GMOs argue that they can boost food security by increasing crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases. On the other hand, critics are concerned about the long-term environmental impacts, as well as potential health risks.
In the face of these competing perspectives, the NBA sees these new regulations as a middle ground—allowing the controlled use and trade of GMOs while ensuring that the highest standards of safety are maintained.
Businesses that deal with GMOs in Kenya, whether through importation, distribution, or containment, will need to prepare for these new fees. The NBA is advising companies to ensure their operations comply with the new regulations to avoid any disruptions in trade. As Kenya continues to navigate its relationship with GMOs, these fees represent a significant step in formalizing and regulating the sector.
For consumers, the NBA’s new levies offer reassurance that GMO products entering the market will be subjected to rigorous safety checks, ensuring that any potential risks are minimized. This move is expected to increase transparency and accountability in the handling of GMOs, which has been a contentious issue for years.
