Genetically Modified (GM) Crops Approvals in Kenya

1. Importation of GMOs is through an application as set out in the First Schedule of the Biosafety (Import, Export and Transit) Regulations of 2011 and after the issuance of a written approval.
2. The application process is paper-based but initiatives are underway to integrate the process with the single window system-an online trade facilitation process currently being managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency. 
3. The applicant is supposed to submit evidence of approval of the GMO from the exporting country.
4. A summary of risk assessment report and/or evidence of prior approval for use as food/feed and source or indication of where the detailed information on approval can be obtained.
5. The Authority may opt for a non-risk assessment in cases where an approval for importation of the same GMOs from the same source was granted before.
6. Applications for importation of GMOs are to be processed as per the provisions of the Biosafety Act,2009, where a decision was made between 90-150 days. However, this has been reviewed and any application received in future following the conclusion of pending court cases will be done within 30 days.
7. GM food/feed that contains stacked event(s) are considered on a case-by-case basis with single approved events being subjected to a simplified non-risk assessment procedure and unapproved events treated as new products that require a full risk assessment as outlined in the Biosafety Act,2009. This approval process also allows for a simultaneous approval of lower, intermediates and sub-stacks and higher stacks.

Permit Fees 

The applicable fee is Kshs 25,0000 per application and the validity of the approval is 1 year. There is no provision for a permit renewal under these Regulations.