Naivasha: The Global Biotechnology Market is projected to grow significantly, with its size expected to reach USD 5.04 trillion by 2034 from more than USD 1.75 trillion in 2025, at a growth rate of 12.5 percent. However, the Middle East and Africa region currently hold the smallest share of this market, with only 4 percent, compared to North America's 37.79 percent, Europe's 28.81 percent, Asia Pacific's 23.9 percent, and Latin America's 9.4 percent.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Douglas Miano from the University of Nairobi's Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection highlighted Africa's position in the biotechnology sector. He noted that while Africa is lagging, there is an upward trend in adopting agricultural biotechnology. The number of African countries with functional Bio-safety frameworks rose from 6 to 11 between 2011 and 2022.
Speaking at the 13th Annual Bio-safety Conference in Naivasha, Prof. Miano, the keynote speaker, underscored the need for increased awareness about biotechnology. He expressed concern that other countries are capitalizing on Kenya's resources by commercializing them through biotechnology. He emphasized the economic potential of biotechnology and the need for Kenya to capitalize on its resources.
Prof. Miano addressed the prevailing skepticism regarding biotechnology's safety, attributing it to differing opinions that have fostered uncertainty and fear. He advocated for awareness creation to build confidence, highlighting that rigorous processes are in place from discovery to commercialization, supported by existing policy and regulatory frameworks. He pointed out that biotechnology has proven valuable in addressing challenges such as food security.
Nehemiah Ngetich, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Kenya's National Bio-safety Authority (NBA), highlighted Kenya's progress in biotechnology. He mentioned the establishment of a GMO Testing laboratory in June 2022 and the automation of GMO application services. Ngetich acknowledged public skepticism but outlined NBA's efforts to raise awareness and educate Kenyans about GMOs.
Ngetich encouraged dialogue and participation to advance biotechnology adoption. The conference theme, "13 years later: Building trust and ensuring safety of Genetically Modified Organisms," aligns with the government's commitment to adopting new technologies for agricultural transformation.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, in a speech delivered by Rashid Khator, emphasized the government's recognition of modern biotechnology as a tool to enhance productivity and resilience against climate change. He noted that ongoing litigations are hindering biotechnology adoption efforts.
The NBA has approved 58 GMO projects, including 40 for contained use, 15 for confined field trials, and 3 for commercial cultivation. The projects for commercial cultivation include Bt cotton, Bt corn, and virus-resistant cassava. These efforts are part of Kenya's strategy to achieve Vision 2030 goals and enhance food security through the government's economic transformation agenda.