Prof Richard Oduor: Nurturing expertise in Agricultural Biotechnology
In the quest to revitalize the agricultural sector, modernizing services emerges as a pivotal strategy.
Despite encountering widespread criticism, agricultural biotechnology experts underscore its significant role in enhancing farm productivity.
With tangible benefits emanating from innovation and technology, Kenya has taken strides in adopting and commercializing biotechnology cotton (bt cotton), while maize received approval from the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in October 2022, awaiting submission to the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC).
Meanwhile, crops like cassava are still undergoing rigorous trials and scrutiny by relevant agencies.
As the nation steers towards embracing agricultural biotechnology to bolster production, experts affirm that Kenya possesses ample capacities in terms of labor and facilities to propel growth.
Among the assets in this domain that the country boasts are Richard Oduor, a distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Drug Discovery, and Forensic Science.
Serving both as a lecturer and the Registrar of Research Innovation and Outreach at Kenyatta University (KU), Prof Oduor emphasizes that publicly disclosing the list of agricultural biotechnologists would accelerate the nation’s adoption of modern crop cultivation technologies.
“I have trained over 40 graduates with Master’s Degrees in Agricultural Biotechnology,” Prof. Oduor reveals, affirming the country’s research human capacity.
According to the educator, the number of experts could surprise those who claim that the country lacks sufficient research capacity in agriculture.
“We have biotech (biotechnology) experts from both private and government agricultural-related institutions, including universities,” he asserts.
He adds, “If the data were made public, people would realize the capacity we have as a country in terms of research”
The NBA serves as a state agency mandated to approve the adoption of technologies and innovations in Kenya.
Prof Oduor emphasizes that fully funding the research industry is all that experts require.
“We have the capacity and infrastructure, and if the government could allocate 2 per cent of the GDP to the research sector, we could experience substantial growth”.
As Prof Oduor continues to champion innovation in biotechnology, his insights serve as a catalyst for reflection.
In a world where Scientific advancements hold both promise and peril, it is imperative to navigate the complexities with wisdom and foresight.
After all, the pursuit of knowledge is not devoid of ethical dilemmas.
Yet, through thoughtful discourse and responsible stewardship, we can forge a path towards a brighter future.
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