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Issue Environ. Biosafety Res.
Volume 8, Number 3, July-September 2009
Page(s) 133 - 139
Section Commentary
DOI 10.1051/ebr/2009014
Published online 07 October 2009

Environ. Biosafety Res. 8 (2009) 133-139
DOI: 10.1051/ebr/2009014

Towards a smart biosafety regulation: The case of Kenya

Ann Kingiri1 and Seife Ayele2

1  Innogen ESRC Centre, Development Policy and Practice, Technology Faculty, The Open University, Walton Hall, MK7 6AA, UK
2  International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Received January 27, 2009; Accepted July 30, 2009; published online 7 October 2009

Abstract - It is emerging that benefits of new innovations in agricultural biotechnology may not be realised without appropriate biosafety regulatory mechanisms. The Kenyan regulatory experiences related to regulation of genetically engineered (GE) agricultural activities are explored to provide some basis for defining the challenges involved in biosafety regulation. The various shortcomings in the way the Kenyan biosafety process has been implemented are consistent with the way regulatory systems have been evolving in Africa. The proposed adoption of a “smart regulation” provides the basis for a learning process through which subsequent biotechnology policy initiatives can be improved.


Key words: agricultural biotechnology / biosafety / smart regulation / Kenya

Corresponding author: annakingiri@yahoo.com

© ISBR, EDP Sciences 2009


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