Strengthening Media Collaboration for Accurate Biotechnology Reporting
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has committed to deepening its partnership with the media to ensure accurate and responsible reporting on biotechnology and biosafety in Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of scientific advancements, particularly in areas such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genome editing, and biosafety regulations.
During the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Kenya Media Awards 2025 held in Nairobi, Nehemiah Ngetich, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NBA, emphasized the critical role that journalists play in shaping public perception of biotechnology innovations. He highlighted that accurate and informed reporting is essential for guiding policy, regulation, and innovation.
“Facts are not optional; they are the safety rails that guide policy, regulation, and innovation,” said Ngetich. “When reporters bring accuracy, clarity, and context to complex topics such as genome editing, GM crops, and biosafety monitoring, they equip citizens and decision-makers to engage with evidence rather than rumors.”
Ngetich pointed out that misinformation surrounding biotechnology continues to erode public trust. He stressed the importance of relying on verified data and scientific evidence when covering these topics. He commended science journalists for their efforts in making complex scientific concepts more accessible to the general public.
“Clear and balanced reporting helps the public separate scientific facts from misinformation. Evidence-based narratives elevate policy discussions and help regulators like the NBA to operate with transparency,” he added.
To strengthen this collaboration, the NBA plans to provide technical experts to journalists for background briefings and on-record insights on regulation, risk assessment, lab testing, and compliance processes. This will ensure that stories are both timely and technically sound, allowing the public to receive accurate interpretations of biosafety developments.
Additionally, Ngetich mentioned that the Authority will deepen partnerships with media organizations and training institutions to build the capacity of journalists on biosafety fundamentals, terminologies, and regulatory pathways. By improving journalists’ understanding of biosafety, they will be better equipped to interpret and communicate complex scientific information in simple and relatable ways.
The NBA also plans to improve how it communicates updates on product approvals, post-release monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and laboratory capacity. The goal is to make primary and credible information more accessible to journalists and the public, promoting transparency and trust in the regulation of biotechnology in Kenya.
Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) AfriCenter, praised journalists for their continued commitment to providing factual, balanced, and evidence-based information. She warned that the growing wave of misinformation threatens public trust in science and could hinder technological progress.
“We are staring at one of the greatest calamities of our time, where science is under attack,” said Dr. Karembu. “Misinformation and disinformation have been classified by the World Economic Forum as the next pandemic—second only to the climate crisis. We must fight this war on science misinformation and defend science through accurate reporting.”
She emphasized that journalists are key allies in ensuring that policymakers and the public have access to the right information and evidence to make informed decisions. Despite clear scientific evidence and a robust regulatory framework, adoption of smart biotech solutions in agriculture continues to face opposition fueled by misinformation and emotive narratives around safety, trade, and the environment.
Dr. Karembu urged journalists to continue using their platforms to amplify scientific facts and highlight innovations that can address Africa’s food security challenges. By doing so, they can contribute to a more informed and scientifically literate society.