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By Milliam Murigi

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has committed to strengthening partnerships with the media to promote precise and ethical coverage of biotechnology and biosafety issues in Kenya.

During the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Kenya Media Awards 2025, which took place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Nehemiah Ngetich, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NBA, stated that journalists have a crucial role in influencing public perception of biotechnology advancements — such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genome editing, and biosafety laws.

Facts are essential; they serve as the safety rails that direct policy, regulation, and progress,” stated Ngetich. “When journalists provide precision, understanding, and background on intricate issues like genome editing, genetically modified crops, and biosafety tracking, they empower the public and those in charge to rely on data instead of speculation.

He pointed out that false information regarding biotechnology keeps eroding public confidence, emphasizing the importance of journalists using confirmed data and scientific proof.

Ngetich praised science reporters for their work in simplifying complicated scientific issues, noting that their efforts have a direct impact on the quality of policies, ethical advancements, and public trust.

“Clear and well-rounded reporting enables the public to distinguish scientific facts from false information. Storytelling grounded in evidence enhances policy debates and assists regulators such as the NBA in maintaining openness,” he added.

Ngetich mentioned that to enhance this partnership, the NBA will keep its technical specialists accessible to reporters for informal discussions and official comments regarding regulations, risk analysis, laboratory testing, and compliance procedures.

He stated that this will aid in ensuring stories are both up-to-date and technically accurate, and that the public gets correct understandings of biosafety advancements.

He also mentioned that the Authority will enhance collaborations with media groups and educational institutions to strengthen journalists’ understanding of biosafety basics, terminology, and regulatory processes.

He believes that enhancing journalists’ knowledge of biosafety will help them explain and convey complicated scientific details in straightforward and understandable terms that the general audience can readily comprehend.

Furthermore, Ngetich mentioned that the NBA will keep enhancing its methods of conveying updates regarding product approvals, post-release surveillance, interaction with stakeholders, and laboratory capabilities. He clarified that the aim is to ensure that accurate and reliable information is more readily available to media personnel and the general public, thereby fostering openness and confidence in the biotechnology regulatory framework within Kenya.

From her side, Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, praised journalists for their ongoing dedication to delivering accurate, impartial, and research-backed information. She cautioned that the rising tide of false information endangers public confidence in science and may hinder technological advancement.

We are witnessing one of the most significant disasters of our era, with science facing a serious threat,” stated Dr. Karembu. “False information and misleading data have been identified by the World Economic Forum as the next global health crisis—ranking just behind the climate emergency. We need to combat this battle against scientific misinformation and protect science through truthful journalism.

She highlighted that journalists play a crucial role in helping policymakers and the public obtain accurate information and data needed for making well-informed choices.

“Although there have been challenges along the way, our advancements have not been without hurdles. Even with clear scientific proof and a strong regulatory system in place, the implementation of smart biotechnology solutions in farming still encounters resistance driven by false information and emotional stories concerning safety, trade, and the environment,” she stated.

Dr. Karembu encouraged reporters to keep utilizing their channels to promote scientific information and showcase advancements that can tackle Africa’s food security issues.