Training of National Biosafety Authority (NBA) management on mediation will enhance the institution’s capacity to resolve disputes in the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) sector efficiently and professionally, Secretary for Conflict Management and Peace Building in Office of the President Berveley Moss, has said.

Ms Moss noted that the training will not only maintain national regulatory leadership but also position the authority strategically in international benchmarks for GMO dispute resolution.

Speaking during a mediation training and policy development programme for senior management at the authority, she cited Article 159(2) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya, obligates state organs and public institutions to promote alternative forms of dispute resolution, including mediation, reconciliation, arbitration and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.

“This is not merely a judicial principle; it is a government mandate that calls upon institutions to solve disputes efficiently, inclusively and restoratively,” Moss explained.

She pointed out that internal human resource disputes, leadership mistrust and poor communication – if handled through coercion, unilateral decisions, or prolonged litigation – can escalate into institutional paralysis, regulatory backlogs, and national concern.

“Mediation provides a structured, dignified, and timely pathway to restore dialogue, protect relationships, and preserve institutional mandates,” she added.

Moss commended the participants for their consistency, commitment and depth of engagement during the programme. She emphasised that the lessons align with Kenya Vision 2030, which prioritises efficient public institutions, regulatory certainty, investor confidence and social cohesion as pillars of national development.

“When institutions charged with critical regulatory functions are disrupted by unresolved internal conflicts, the impact extends far beyond their offices – it affects trade, innovation, public safety and economic growth,” Moss affirmed.

She added that mediation reduces costly litigation, prevents operational paralysis and strengthens trust within institutions and across agencies. She further urged institutions to invest in Certified Professional Mediator (CPM) training to resolve disputes early and internally.

NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Nehemiah Ngetich underscored the importance of the training conducted by the International Mediators Academy (IMA), noting that it equips the institution to address litigations that have hindered its mandate to regulate GMOs.

“We have witnessed several litigations on GMOs since the lifting of the ban in 2022. With this training, our team now has the capacity to engage all stakeholders and move forward,” Ngetich stated.

Retired High Court Judge Muga Apondi also emphasised that mediation reduces unnecessary costs and time for institutions.

“Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are the way to go,” Apondi told the participants.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi