The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has officially certified the Biosciences Research Centre at Pwani University (PUBReC) to conduct modern biotechnology research, including work with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The centre received a Biosafety Level‑II (BSL‑2) containment designation in line with Kenya’s Biosafety (Contained Use) Regulations of 2011, allowing safe handling of GMOs in laboratory and greenhouse settings.

NBA acting chief executive Dr Ann Karimi said the certification is valid for one year, after which the facility must undergo a re‑inspection and recertification to remain compliant.

Under Section 18(1) of the Biosafety Act (CAP 320), any GMO‑related research, confined field trials, imports or environmental releases in Kenya require written authorisation from the NBA; operating without such approval is prohibited.

Institutions undertaking GMO work must establish an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) that oversees safety, reviews project applications and serves as the liaison with the NBA.

Researchers must submit formal applications through their IBC for each stage of work—contained laboratory use, confined field trials or environmental release—and seek early consultation when using gene‑editing tools to determine regulatory status.

NBA highlighted that the certification enhances Pwani University’s capacity to conduct advanced biotechnology projects such as genetic transformation, provided all biosafety approvals are secured.

Other active GMO research facilities in Kenya include the International Livestock Research Institute laboratory, the Kenya Agricultural Research Organisation Biotech unit and the Njoro laboratory, all operating under similar NBA oversight.