The document summarizes Kenya's biotechnology and biosciences program as outlined in the country's second Medium Term Plan from 2013-2017. The objectives of the program are to enhance capacity for biotechnology development and application, develop policies and regulations, build human and institutional capacity, educate the public on biotechnology, and facilitate commercialization of genetically modified crops. The program will be implemented through five projects focusing on policy, research centers of excellence, workforce development, public education, and delivery of GM crops. Potential areas of collaboration on these projects are highlighted.

1. Biotechnology and Biosciences
Programme in the Medium Term Plan II
(2013-2017) of the Kenya Vision 2030
Dr. Roy B. Mugiira
Senior Assistant Director of Research
State Department of Science and
Technology
The Africa’s Scientific Revival Day Celebration workshop:
Has Biotechnology Worked for Kenya?
30th June, 2014
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2. Outline
• Highlights of the Kenya National Biotechnology
Development Policy, 2006;
• Non-written policy statements;
• From Biotechnology to Biosafety;
• The Biotechnology and Biosciences programme in
the Medium Term II of the Kenya Vision 2030;
• The Cabinet ban on importation of GM-foods;
• Potential areas of collaboration with key
stakeholders;

3. Some Policy Statements from The National Biotechnology
Development Policy of Kenya
• “The Government recognized the role Biotechnology can play
in poverty reduction, enhancing food security, and in the
conservation of biodiversity and the environment”.
©Government Printer 2006
• “The Government will, as a matter of priority, initiate
appropriate steps to explore the use of biotechnology for the
benefit of Kenyans and, furthermore, ensure that Kenya
becomes a key participant in the international biotechnology
enterprise within a decade…….”
• “……this will be pursued through the provision of an enabling
environment that responds to the needs of the biotechnology
industry, the research and development communities as well as
relevant national and international biosafety concerns”.
©Government Printer 2006

4. President Barak Obama
At the first inauguration speech said:
“We shall restore science to its rightful place; we
shall harness the sun, and the wind and the
soil to power our factories and fuel our cars ”
Un-written Policy Statements
At the 3rd Scientific Conference for dissemination of
Research Results and Exhibition of Innovations said:
“We shall aggressively pursue Science (read Bio-)
Diplomacy with like minded Nations to foster
cooperation and collaboration in the field of Science,
Technology and Innovation………”Prof. Crispus Kiamba,
Former PS MoHEST
Leading Kenyan delegation as Minister for MoHEST, to
the COP-MOP5, Nagoya Japan at the opening session
said:
“Let those with the luxury to chose whether to have red
meat, white meat or whatever other colour meat not
stand on the way of those who are simply asking to
have a meal”
His Excellency
William Ruto

5. From Biotechnology to
Biosafety
• Focus shift from Biotechnology
Development to Biosafety Regulation:
 The law;
 Institution;
 5 regulations;
 Entry points manning;
 Border surveillance;
• Little attention to capacity building for
Biotechnology Research and product
development

6. • Regulatory process
is keeping golden
rice away from
malnourished
children who need
it!
“The use of GMOs has the potential
to offer real benefits in agricultural
practice, food quality, nutrition and
health, and we support on-going
research in this field”
The Royal Society, UK
In 2002, US President George Bush accused the European Union of blocking efforts to fight
famine in Africa because of "unfounded and unscientific " fears over genetically
modified foods.
Is Regulation a Bottle Neck?

7. 7/3/2014
██ 0.950 and over
██ 0.900-0.949
██ 0.850-0.899
██ 0.800-0.849
██ 0.750-0.799
██ 0.700-0.749
██ 0.650-0.699
██ 0.600-0.649
██ 0.550-0.599
██ 0.500-0.549
██ 0.450-0.499
██ 0.400-0.449
██ 0.350-0.399
██ 0.300-0.349
██ under 0.300
██ n/a
Human Development Index
Biotech Crop Countries and Mega-
Countries, 2009
Life Expectancy

8. Biotechnology and Biosciences Programme in
Kenya’s 2nd Medium Term Plan (MTPII) 2013-
2017
Objectives of the Programme:
• To enhance the national capacity and capabilities for
harnessing Biotechnology/Bio resources to produce
goods and services;
• To develop institutional, human and infrastructural
capacity for Biotechnology development and
application;
• To review the existing Biotechnology policy, legal,
regulatory and institutional framework into a more
robust framework that will encompass all areas of the
Biosciences discipline;
• To deliver Biotechnology products and manage
technology stewardship;

9. Biotech Programme in MTP II
Cont’
The programme will be implemented through the following 5
projects:
• Biotechnology Policy and Legal Framework: To review the
existing Biotechnology policy, legal and regulatory framework (National
Biotechnology development policy and Biosafety Law), and develop a new
policy, legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the governance of
Biological/life Sciences.
• Establish Centres of Excellence in Biotechnology Research
within Research and Higher Learning Institutions: To identify
and equip Biotechnology Research laboratories in research and higher
learning institutions.
• Development of Human Capacity for Biotechnology
Research and Product Development: To develop a critical mass of
a competent human resource for the development and application of
Biotechnology.
• Public Education and Awareness on Biotechnology and
Biosciences: To educate the public and create awareness on the whole
subject of Biotechnology and Biosciences.
• Delivery of genetically modified (GM) crop varieties for
commercial production by Kenyan farmers: To facilitate the
commercialization of genetically modified crop varieties as products of
modern Biotechnology.

10. Potential Areas of Collaboration with
key Stakeholders;
• Key stakeholders are invited to refer
to the 5 project areas under the
Biotechnology/Biosciences
Programmes and identify areas with
potential for collaboration with public
institutions;

11. The Cabinet ban on importation of
GM-foods
• Selarini et al 2012 press conference
and publication;
• Hon. Minister’s presentation to
Cabinet and subsequent ban;
• Task force formed;
• Presentations made to task force;
• Report of the task force awaited;
• Decision to follow;

12. Conclusions
• The current ban on GM food imports
into Kenya is transient;
• Kenya’s Biotech development agenda
is still on-course as evidenced in the
2nd MTP;
• Kenya will continue to pursue her
quest to retain the status of the
regional leader and key participant in
the global Biotech enterprise;

14. The Real Last Word
Pomato: A graft of Tomato on
Potato
Eradicate Hunger
and Poverty the
Biotech Way