Ethical Governance of Agricultural Biotechnology in Kenya: A Critical Narrative Review on Innovation, Inclusion, and Indigenous Systems

Abstract

This study critically examines the ethical governance of agricultural biotechnology in Kenya, focusing on the regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and socio-cultural considerations shaping policy implementation. Drawing on document analysis and expert interviews, the research identifies significant gaps in ethical oversight, including limited public participation, inadequate risk communication, and fragmented institutional mandates. The findings reveal that while Kenya has made strides in biosafety legislation, ethical governance remains underdeveloped, particularly in addressing distributive justice, indigenous knowledge systems, and long-term ecological impacts. The study argues for a pluralistic and anticipatory governance model that integrates ethical reflexivity, inclusive deliberation, and adaptive regulation. These insights have implications for policy reform, capacity building, and the democratization of biotechnology governance in Kenya and similar contexts.