University of Nairobi

Scientists urged to lead civic education on Biotech and GMOs to assure public of their safety. Pastor Nathan Lihanda and youth leader Collins Kikame now support GMOs for food security. KUBICO Secretary General Dr. Joel Ochieng emphasizes Kenya's regulatory systems for GMO safety and benefits, focusing on Bt maize. Church leaders endorse KUBICO's research and products, following High Court dismissal of GMO ban challenges.

The Friends Church supports Agricultural Biotechnology and urges politicians to stop spreading falsehoods about GMOs. The church's Deputy General Superintendent for Nairobi Diocese, Nathan Lihanda, emphasized the need for scientists to educate the public on GMO safety and benefits for food security. Dr. Joel Ochieng, from the University of Nairobi, highlighted the safety of modified crops like BT maize, stressing the importance of regulatory systems. The Friends Church is willing to help educate the masses on the merits of biotechnological research.

The ACHIEVE study, funded by CEPI with $10.3M, aims to estimate chikungunya cases in Kenya and Tanzania, starting spring 2025. Led by Oxford's Centre for Tropical Medicine, it seeks to improve understanding of the disease's burden and inform vaccine development and deployment strategies.

Dementia cases in Africa are expected to rise from 3 million in 2030 to 8 million in 2050. Researchers like David Ndetei are collaborating with traditional healers to combat misinformation and improve diagnosis. Nature Conferences in Nairobi discussed advancing dementia research and care, emphasizing the need for new collaborations and partnerships. Efforts include genetic research, early diagnosis through AI, and culturally adapted diagnostic tools.

Religious leaders urge Kenya's government to invest in GM crop research for food security, emphasizing the need for public education on GMO safety and benefits. They advocate for local biotech crop production and reduced imports, with the church playing a key role in disseminating accurate information.

The High Court's dismissal of petitions challenging the lifting of the GMO ban allows universities to fully explore biotechnology, with Prof Richard Oduor highlighting increased research opportunities and job creation. The National Biosafety Authority assures safety, having approved BT cotton, BT maize, and Cassava. Dr. Joel Ochieng emphasizes the regulatory systems in place, and Carol Ndegwa sees potential in promoting science and health.

African experts urge depoliticisation of biotechnology research to maximize STI benefits for economic transformation and sustainable development, emphasizing the need for increased investment and prioritization of biotechnology research in national agendas.