The Senate Standing Committee led by Nyeri County Senator kicked off its two day retreat today with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)to deliberate on the Agricultural Biotechnology Awareness. 

"I am so delighted with timelines of this engagement given the fact that Kenya has been faced with food security issues in the recent past. Factors like drought and

climate change mean that as a country, we have to explore alternative options of ensuring that Kenyans do not suffer from lack of access to basic food commodities.

Increasing awareness about agricultural Biotechnology is crucial for fostering informed public disclosure, promoting responsible usage and harnessing the potential benefit of these innovations." Senator Wamatinga said in his opening remarks.

The forum brought about discussions on the state of Agricultural Biotechnology Regulatory Frameworks in Kenya, State of Agriculture Biotechnology Research in Kenya, Changing GMO narratives in the face of climate change in Kenya, GM seed release and management process, and perspectives from farmers. Presentations were done by Dr. Canisius Kanangire, the Executive Director(AATF), A represantative from National Biosafety Authority, Dr. Boniface Kaberia, Member of AATF Board pf Trustees, Dr. Martin Mwirigi ( Institute Director, Biotechnology Institute, KARLO) Ms. Annie Muia ( Senior Biosafety Officer), Dr. Francis Nang'ayo (Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, AATF), Prof. Richard Oduor ( KUBICO)

Other Senators who participated during the meeting were; Embu County Sen. Alexander Munyi Mundigi, Makueni County Sen. Daniel Maanzo Kitonga, Bungoma County Sen. David Wafula Wakoli and Nominated Sen. Beth Kalunda Syengo.