Kenya Releases Updated GMO List
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has published an updated list of commercially approved genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including genetically modified plants, microorganisms, veterinary vaccines and their derived products, while directing government agencies to strengthen oversight of GMO imports entering Kenya.
The move is aimed at enhancing compliance with the Biosafety Act by ensuring that all approved GMO products entering or leaving the country undergo mandatory clearance by the Authority before they are released into the Kenyan market.
In a circular dated June 29, 2026, NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi instructed government agencies stationed at Kenya’s entry and exit points to work closely with the Authority in enforcing the new clearance requirements.
The directive has been issued to key agencies responsible for customs, health, agriculture, environmental protection and border inspections as Kenya continues to strengthen regulation of biotechnology products.
Mandatory Clearance for GMO Imports
According to the Authority, any import involving products derived from the approved genetically modified plants, animals, microorganisms or veterinary vaccines must first receive authorization from the NBA in accordance with the provisions of the Biosafety Act (CAP 320).
The circular was addressed to several government agencies, including:
- Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
- National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)
- Directorate of Veterinary Services
- Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI)
Dr. Karimi emphasized that close collaboration among border agencies is critical in ensuring that all regulated GMO products comply with Kenyan biosafety laws before they are allowed into the country.
“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,” she said.
NBA Officers Deployed at Border Entry Points
The Acting CEO noted that NBA officers are already stationed at major points of entry and exit across the country.
Their role is to verify documentation, advise border officials on compliance procedures and intervene where imported products fail to meet biosafety requirements.
She added that the officers will provide guidance whenever cases of non-compliance arise, ensuring that imports are handled in accordance with existing regulations.
The directive is expected to streamline inspection procedures while minimizing the risk of unauthorized genetically modified products entering the Kenyan market.
Understanding Harmonized System (HS) Codes
To facilitate implementation, the NBA has already profiled the relevant Harmonized System (HS) Codes for approved GMO products.
The HS Code is an internationally recognized six-digit product classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
It enables customs authorities around the world to identify traded products accurately, simplifying international trade while strengthening regulatory oversight.
By profiling these codes, the Authority says customs officials will be able to identify regulated GMO products more efficiently during import and export inspections.
NBA’s Mandate Under Kenyan Law
The National Biosafety Authority is a state corporation established under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320, with responsibility for regulating all activities involving genetically modified organisms in Kenya.
Its mandate includes supervising and controlling the transfer, handling, importation, exportation, research, commercialization and use of GMOs to safeguard:
- Human health.
- Animal health.
- Environmental protection.
- Safe application of biotechnology.
The Authority also serves as Kenya’s National Focal Point for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an international agreement governing the safe movement and use of living modified organisms across borders.
Approved GMO Crops
Among the commercially approved genetically modified crops listed by the Authority is Bt Cotton, which has already received approval for cultivation in Kenya.
According to the NBA, Bt Cotton is also cultivated in several African countries, including:
- Sudan
- South Africa
- Ethiopia
- Eswatini
- Nigeria
- Malawi
Globally, the crop has also been approved for cultivation in countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Paraguay, the United States, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and Uruguay.
Bt Cotton has become one of the world’s most widely cultivated genetically modified crops because of its resistance to destructive insect pests, helping farmers reduce pesticide use while improving yields.
Countries Approving Bt Cotton for Food and Processing
Beyond cultivation, the Authority noted that Bt Cotton has been approved for food, animal feed, processing and ornamental purposes in numerous countries.
These include:
- Australia
- Canada
- European Union member states
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Turkey
- Vietnam
- United States
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Mexico
- India
- China
- Indonesia
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Malawi
- Eswatini
- Paraguay
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
- Costa Rica
- Philippines
The Authority said the approvals reflect the widespread global adoption of biotechnology products under national regulatory frameworks.
GM Maize Also Approved in Africa
The updated list also indicates that genetically modified maize has been approved for cultivation in several African countries.
These include:
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Ethiopia
Although Kenya’s circular references international approvals, the NBA emphasized that every GMO product entering Kenya must still comply with local biosafety regulations regardless of approvals elsewhere.
Strengthening Biosafety Oversight
The publication of the updated approved GMO list comes as Kenya continues to strengthen oversight of biotechnology products amid growing global trade in genetically modified crops and agricultural inputs.
By requiring mandatory clearance before importation and coordinating inspections among border agencies, the National Biosafety Authority aims to improve traceability, enhance regulatory compliance and protect public health and the environment.
The Authority says the updated list will also assist customs officers, importers and other stakeholders in understanding which genetically modified products are authorized under Kenya’s biosafety framework.
As international trade in biotechnology products expands, regulators maintain that effective coordination among government agencies will remain critical in ensuring that only approved GMO products enter the Kenyan market while safeguarding consumers, agriculture and the country’s biodiversity.
