A Look into how the Youth are Africa’s greatest Resource
Half a dozen times – probably even more – Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh reminds me that she has a lot of confidence in the young people of Africa. It is not just blind hope, unfounded optimism. Throughout a long career in research and leadership, and subsequent working stints in various countries, Dr Obokoh has encountered numerous […]
Silent Players, Loud Agenda: The Story of One Health in Uganda
In Uganda, a number of crucial players in achievement of national One Health goals have been moving ever so stealthily, and yet their impact is now understood to be very monumental as the country moves towards implementation of a One Health Strategic Plan. Some have been absent, others merely underrepresented, with actors such as the […]
Ethiopia publishes Guidelines on Regulation of Genome Edited Products
Ethiopia has taken a significant step forward in biotechnology by publishing its regulatory guidelines on genome editing products. This milestone cements the country’s position among the leading nations in Africa advancing biotechnology and underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science for agricultural and industrial development. As sub-Saharan Africa pushes toward a technologically driven future, Ethiopia’s […]
The Spirit of Asilomar Conference: Reflections of a Next-Gen Leader from an African Perspective
By Willy Kibet As a budding, young scientist, I was excited to attend The Spirit of Asilomar and Future of Biotechnology Summit in Pacific Grove, California from 23rd – 26th February, 2025. The convening of approximately 300 attendees enabled me to meet and network with diverse voices and actors in biotechnology comprising academics, journalists, legal […]
Kenyan Government rules out Merger of Biosafety Authority and Plant Health Service
The Kenyan government has clarified that the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will not be merged with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), contrary to earlier proposals under the ongoing State Corporations reforms. In January 2025, the Cabinet approved key reforms aimed at streamlining government agencies. The reforms included merging 42 State Corporations with overlapping […]
The ABBC Journey: Taking Stock of Last Decade, Planning Ahead
By Peter Theuri In the first of a series of webinars organized as part of a build-up to the 2025 edition of the Africa Biennial Biosciences Communication (ABBC) Symposium, tens of stakeholders, on March 20, deliberated on the progress of the last 10 years of the ABBC, and highlighted some of the key areas to […]
All for Women: Holding Hands to empower the African Woman
By Peter Theuri, The two speakers, one from Kenya and the other from Zimbabwe, had very much in common. Born into tough countrysides. Well aware of their responsibility in changing their homes’ future. Competing against boys at a time when not many really fancied girls’ chances. Now, prominent scholars. Currently in key leadership spaces that […]
Kenyan Experts discuss Link between GM Foods and Better Nutrition
By Sophy Okwiri; The agricultural biotechnology sensitization workshop, held on February 20-21, 2025, in Nairobi, marked a significant step towards strengthening the role of nutritionists in addressing food and nutritional security, with a special focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The two-day event, under the banner of the Africa Science Dialogue, gathered over 25 stakeholders […]
Approved Genetically Modified Crops have Safe Record
By Dr Allan Liavoga; As myths and misconceptions demonizing genetically modified (GM) technology keep flying about, Africa is losing ground and sinking deeper into food insecurity, therefore shunning a solution that could change its future. Now more than ever, scientists, who have knowledge of this technology, need to come out to proactively provide true, accurate […]
Kenyan High Court Dismisses Case Challenging Lifting of GMO Ban
In a landmark ruling, Kenya’s High Court, on November 7, 2024 dismissed a consolidated petition that sought to block the government from lifting the ban on the importation, cultivation, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country. High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi stated that the issues brought forward by the petitioners had already […]