Kenya will soon be hosting the first International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC) in Africa following the handing over of the center construction site at Egerton University to the Project Implementation contractor.
The multi-million facility will include research laboratories equipped for genetic engineering and biotechnology, specialized spaces for molecular plant pathology, crop breeding, and genetic bio-fortification studies.
Speaking during the handover conducted by the Project Contract Implementation Team (PCIT), Egerton University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Extension Professor Bernard Aduda said they will ensure biosafety level 2 (BSL2) certification of the facility as it guarantees compliance with global biosafety protocols, enabling researchers to conduct advanced studies safely and securely.
In 2016 Kenya was selected by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Board of Governors to host its first Regional Research Centre (RRC) in Africa, to complement the one in China.
The board which runs 46 state-of-the-art laboratories, in Trieste, Italy, New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa also approved the appointment of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Director General Professor Walter Oyawa as ICGEB Governor for Kenya.
According to Professor Aduda, who is also the Project Contract Implementation Team (PCIT) chairperson, the ICGEB Regional Research Centre will be based at the university’s main campus in Njoro Sub-County.
The Egerton Don said the research center will be the second such outfit in the world after the one in China and will also specialize in food safety, molecular plant breeding, and entomology, development of molecular diagnostic tools and their applications, and bioprospecting for biopesticides and bioactive compounds.
While noting that the ICGEB RRC would transform scientific research and regional development in East Africa, Prof Aduda elaborated that the Centre will focus on combating crop diseases through molecular plant pathology research, investigating pathogen infection mechanisms to develop disease-resistant crops, and reducing reliance on harmful chemicals.
“This center will enhance food security by employing marker-assisted selection and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to facilitate the breeding of high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties to meet the growing population’s needs,” added the deputy VC.
During the 22nd session of the ICGEB Board of Governors held in Cape Town in 2016, it was decided to explore possibilities of setting up ICGEB- RRC in Africa. Subsequently, during the Annual General Meeting in December 2020, the ICGEB Board resolved that Kenya was to host the RRC within its territory.
Subsequently, the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Director General Professor Walter Oyawa was tasked to identify the institution to host the ICGEB- RRC. Seven universities in Kenya had applied to host the Research Centre and thereafter three were shortlisted for further on-site inspection culminating in the selection of Egerton University.
Principal Investigator of the project establishing the ICGEB- RRC Professor Josiah Omolo indicated that to address hidden hunger, bio-fortification initiatives will improve the nutritional value of staple foods such as maize and cassava, ensuring better public health outcomes.
The Centre, added Professor Omolo, will also promote food safety through advanced molecular diagnostics, identifying biological hazards, mycotoxins, and chemical residues in food to strengthen agricultural value chains.
The Principal Investigator pointed out that the facility will build regional capacity by training scientists and collaborating with universities to enhance expertise in genetic engineering and biotechnology. By improving agricultural productivity and creating jobs, the ICGEB RRC he noted will attract investments and foster sustainable development.
“Through this center Policymakers will gain evidence-based research to inform agricultural and biotechnology policies, ensuring responsible and ethical practices,” Professor Omolo added.
He affirmed that since biotechnology development remains a top priority in enhancing food security, evolving more efficient and cleaner industrial manufacturing processes, and reducing negative effects on the environment in Kenya, the establishment of the Regional Research Centre in the country comes at an opportune time.
Development of herbicide-tolerant crops, he noted would save farmers the many hours spent on the farm getting rid of weeds thus investing the time on other productive agricultural activities that will help promote food security.
Professor Omolo also said that the center will be instrumental in strengthening the research skills, knowledge, and capacities of the scientific community while pursuing specific objectives for research, training, and technology transfer to industry.
He however pointed out that the long-term success of the ICGEB RRC will depend on sustainable funding, strategic partnerships, and continuous innovation. He added that the Centre aims to position itself as a leading biotechnology hub in Africa through government and external funding, financial support from the Government of Kenya, international grants, and ICGEB’s global network.
The ICGEB is an intergovernmental and nonprofit research organization. Established on November 25, 1987, as a special project of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido), it became fully autonomous in 1994 and now incorporates over 65 Member States. A further 22 countries are waiting to become members pending ratification by the Council of Governors.
ICGEB dedicates its resources to advanced research and training in vaccine development, molecular biology, and biotechnology and advancing knowledge, applying the latest techniques in the fields of biomedicine, crop improvement, environmental protection/remediation, biopharmaceuticals, biopesticides, and biofuel production.
ICGEB also strengthens the research capability of its members through training and funding programs and advisory services and promotes research themes associated with infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and industrial biotechnology.
