It is emerging that benefits of new innovations in agricultural biotechnology may not be realised without appropriate
biosafety regulatory mechanisms. The Kenyan regulatory experiences related to regulation of genetically
engineered (GE)** agricultural activities are explored to provide some basis for defining the challenges involved
in biosafety regulation. The various shortcomings in the way the Kenyan biosafety process has been implemented
are consistent with the way regulatory systems have been evolving in Africa. The proposed adoption of
a “smart regulation” provides the basis for a learning process through which subsequent biotechnology policy
initiatives can be improved.