The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Ann Njeri Karimi as its new Acting Chief Executive Officer. The decision follows a high-level leadership transition within the state corporation, which is mandated to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya.
Dr. Karimi’s appointment was formalized following the Authority’s 53rd special board meeting held on April 2, 2026. She steps into the role to succeed Nehemiah Ngetich, whose tenure at the helm of the regulatory body has come to an end.
In an official statement released by the Board of Directors, the leadership expressed confidence in Dr. Karimi’s ability to guide the institution through its next phase of regulatory oversight. The board further issued a directive to the organization’s personnel to facilitate a seamless transition.
“All members of staff are hereby called upon to accord Dr. Karimi the necessary support and cooperation as she assumes the role, in order to continue advancing the Authority’s mandate and strengthening its impact,” the board statement read.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Karimi served as the Director of Corporate Services at the NBA. She brings extensive academic and administrative expertise to the position, holding a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration. Her background in corporate governance and strategic management is expected to play a pivotal role in the Authority’s administrative functions.
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The leadership change comes at a significant time for the National Biosafety Authority, as Kenya continues to navigate complex regulatory frameworks surrounding biotechnology in agriculture and food security. The NBA is the primary body responsible for ensuring that biotechnology developments do not pose risks to human health or the environment.
Dr. Karimi takes over as the acting head while the Authority maintains its focus on strengthening biosafety standards and enhancing public confidence in scientific innovations. Her immediate task will involve overseeing the implementation of the Authority’s strategic plan and ensuring compliance with the Biosafety Act of 2009.
Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the transition, as the NBA remains central to the government’s agenda on agricultural transformation and industrial growth. The Authority has recently been at the forefront of reviewing applications for the environmental release of various biotech crops intended to improve yields and pest resistance for Kenyan farmers.
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The Board is expected to initiate the process of identifying a substantive Chief Executive Officer in due course. In the interim, Dr. Karimi will exercise full executive powers to ensure the continuity of the Authority’s operations and the fulfillment of its statutory obligations.
