National Biosafety Authority has reaffirmed its commitment in collaborating with journalists for accurate information dissemination.

During the OFAB Kenya media awards 2025, the acting CEO Nehemiah Ng’etich said reporters bring accuracy, clarity and context to complex topics like gene-editing, genetically modified (GM) crops, risk assessment, lab accreditation, post-release monitoring, equipping citizens and decision-makers to engage with evidence, not rumor.

“We rely on media to give accurate information on GMOs and biotechnology,” said Mr Nehemiah.

He expressed disappointment that Kenya has been downgraded in the food security index, which calls for more efforts to combat food security. Through biotechnology, he said, high yielding crops which are drought, pests and disease resistant be developed to help combat this.

MBS, ISAAA  AfriCenter, Director & OFAB-K PC Chairperson Margaret Karembu addressed the role OFAB has played in about 20 years of its existence in recognising the role journalists play in public sensitization in Biotechnology.

She warned against emotive narratives and called on journalists to strengthen fact-checking to counter false narratives.

Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive David Omwoyo pointed out that “if journalists misunderstand science, maybe scientists weren’t clear enough.”

Omwoyo noted that reporting biotechnology-related stories isn’t an easy feat, hence the need for shared responsibility between the scientific and media communities to eensure they understand what they are disseminating, which will have a positive trickle-down effect on the farmers and common mwananchi.

The authority will continue to deepen partnerships for media training on biosafety fundamentals so reporters can confidently translate complexity for the public

“We rely on media to give accurate information,” said Ng’etich. There’s need to move from narratives to human feature stories that connect with the farmers and communities due to their relatability and humanity.

This year’s overall winner was Rosa Agutu of Standard media.

• A Tell Media report / By Samini Juma