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Kenya
impact assessment
A study was commissioned by the National Council for
Science and Technology (NCST) to prepare a BIO-EARN Phase
II impact assessment report relevant to Kenya. This was
accomplished through a review of relevant documents
relating to the BIO-EARN programme in general, and Phase
II in particular; as well as interviewing persons involved
in Phase II, in particular those from the BIO-EARN partner
institutions in Kenya. The report was to summarize
research and capacity building activities completed,
outputs from completed activities, and finally carry out
an impact assessment.
Biotechnology
research was one of the main activities undertaken and
completed. Four Kenyan students, Joel Mutisya, Suhaila
Omar, Samuel Kiboi and Beatrice completed their research
projects and were awarded PhD degrees. One student,
Kevin Oluoch was awarded an MPhil degree, while the
final student, Peter Mwangi was awarded an MSc
degree. The major research output from these students was
8 papers published in peer reviewed journals, 1 abstract,
3 manuscripts accepted for publication or in press, 11
manuscripts submitted to journals, 5 conference
presentations, and 4 workshop reports.
Major
outputs
Biosafety research was initiated through the BIO-EARN
programme but was later complemented by the UNEP-GEF
Biosafety project, both of which were coordinated by the
NCST. Some of the major outputs of biosafety research in
Kenya are:
-
National
guidelines for the release of genetically modified
organisms into the environment;
-
A
manual for the inspection and monitoring of
genetically modified organisms in Kenya:
-
A
checklist for contained use (animal units) of GMOs in Kenya:
Biosafety level 1-3 Guidelines for Inspections.
Biosafety
collaboration, the 'Botanical Files' project unfortunately
did not succeed due to a breakdown of communication
between the main collaborators.
Biotechnology
policy research and outreach was also a major activity.
Principal outputs were:
-
The
draft biotechnology and biosafety policy, and
-
The
draft bill and regulations to facilitate safety in
biotechnology research and
development.
Although
intellectual property (IP) planning processes began in the
late nineties, major strides were made during the period
2002 – 2004 with BIO-EARN as a key player. Notable
success was achieved in dissemination of information to
the public and promotion of innovation in R&D
institutions through national and regional workshops,
consultative meetings, and short courses both within and
outside Kenya. However, some constraints were noted, particularly in
the lack of enthusiasm by institutions and enterprises. Apparently, the IP message was not well received by most
Kenyan sectors, except the small and medium size
enterprises (SMEs). The responses from BIO-EARN
institutions, however, were commendable, as indicated by
institutional developments in the Kenya Agricultural
Research Institute (KARI), Moi
University,
University
of
Nairobi, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and
the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). These
institutions contributed to the formation of the National
Biosafety Committee (NBC) besides their own institutional
biosafety frameworks.
Several
institutions in Kenya, including KARI, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI),
the International Centre for Insect Physiology &
Ecology (ICIPE) and several Universities have developed
many products without any linkages or agreements with the
private sector. This is because institutional policies
regarding product development partnerships (PDPs) are
lacking.
In
assessing the overall impact of BIO-EARN Phase II, it is
important to note that research and capacity building are
sector inputs, and sectors generally contribute, in
varying measure, to the quality of life of a country’s
citizens and to the overall growth and development of the
economy. Impacts such as those expected from BIO-EARN will
indeed be expected to arise not only from research and
capacity building, but from the overall policies and
regulations controlling the sector or sectors that the
programme addresses.
(Page
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Impacts of BIO-EARN Phase II
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