NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 17 – Commercial firms will have to pay Sh850,000 to place genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the market if a new proposal is passed.
The National Biosafety Authority says that the new rates will also apply to those renewing environmental approvals after the expiration of 10 years.
Today, the authority even invited members of the public to submit their recommendations on the new fees.
“The Act requires the Authority to prescribe fees for the services it offers. In this regard, the Authority has prepared a schedule of the proposed fees, which is available at: www.biosafetykenya.go.ke In line with the requirements of the law, the Authority is conducting public participation on the proposed fees,” the authority said in an advert posted on local dailies today.
“Members of the public are invited to submit their comments within 21 days from the date of this notice for consideration.“
Likewise, non-commercial players will be required to pay Sh170,000 to get a genome editing permit for research.
Application for transit of GMOs or derived products through Kenya will cost Sh40,000 per consignment.
Similarly, registration and licensing of GMO storage, packaging, and manufacturing, among others, will cost Sh30,000.
