Walking for a Biosafe Nation

NBA Takes Biosafety Awareness Campaign to Kwale Through 10-Kilometre Walk The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) on Thursday held a 10-kilometre community walk dubbed “Walking for a Biosafe Nation” to sensitise residents of Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, on biosafety, biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The walk started at Mwabungo and ended at Kinondo Social Hall, passing through Galu Beach, where participants were engaged on the Authority’s mandate and the importance of biosafety. The event attracted more than 330 participants, who braved the morning cold to take part in the awareness walk. The walk started at 7:00 a.m. and concluded at 9:00 a.m. Led by the Chairman of the NBA Board of Directors, Mr. David Wamatsi, the Authority highlighted its mandate as the regulator of GMOs in the country, emphasising that its primary focus is to safeguard human and animal health and protect the environment. “We are here to explain to our farmers and other stakeholders what we do as an Authority so that they can have a better understanding,” said Mr. Wamatsi. Mr. Wamatsi further emphasised the Authority’s role in ensuring the safe use of biotechnology and GMOs, urging members of the public to seek accurate information from the Authority and other credible sources on biosafety matters. NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ann Karimi, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to remaining impartial in discussions and debates surrounding GMOs. She noted that, as a regulator, the Authority is neither pro- nor anti-GMO, but is guided by science, evidence and its mandate to ensure safety. The “Walking for a Biosafe Nation” initiative is part of the NBA’s ongoing public awareness and stakeholder engagement campaigns aimed at enhancing public understanding of biosafety, biotechnology and GMOs across the country.