The cost of animal feed in the country is expected to decrease following the lifting of the ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their products.

According to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the price reduction would reduce the overall cost of milk production.

Nehemiah Ngetich, acting chief executive officer of the NBA, said the authority was now ready to process applications for environmental release and marketing of GMO products in collaboration with other regulatory agencies .

“Requests for import and transit of GMOs can now be processed by the authority. All requests will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Biosecurity Act and related regulations,” Ngetich said.

Ngetich said the lifting of the ban has paved the way for further research to support the agricultural sector.

He was speaking in Nairobi at the launch of the 2024 milk production cost report by the Kenya Dairy Board.

The report, compiled by the Kenya Dairy Board, highlights the need for improved monitoring and enforcement of quality standards for feed and raw materials.

The NBA, established under the Biosafety Act of 2009, is responsible for overseeing the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs to protect human and animal health and the environment.

The authority reassured Kenyans that the country has a robust regulatory framework to guide the importation and use of GMOs and their derived products.

Ngetich said importers of GMOs are required to register with the NBA, submit an online application and obtain written approval before putting these products on the market.

Approved applications are valid for a maximum of 10 years, while rejected applicants are informed of the reasons for refusal.

He said the regulatory framework is in line with Kenya’s commitment to ensuring food security, environmental protection and economic well-being.