Connecting Classroom Learning with Hands-on Regulatory Practice – MMUST Biosafety and Biosecurity Students Visit to Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards

On April 8th, students from the BSc. Biosafety and Biosecurity Program at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) undertook an educational field trip to key regulatory institutions in Nairobi, including the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). The visit formed an integral part of their academic training and was supported by MMUST as a practical extension of classroom learning. The field experience provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with professionals working at the forefront of biosafety and biosecurity policy, oversight, and implementation in Kenya.

Through discussions with NBA experts, students gained deeper insight into the practical application of biosafety policies, including risk assessment processes, regulatory approvals, and compliance monitoring. At the KEBS, students further expanded their understanding of the critical role that standards play in strengthening national and global health security.

Overall, the field trip enhanced students’ appreciation of the diverse career pathways within the biosafety and biosecurity sector. Exposure to real-world institutional environments and professional roles enabled participants to better envision their future contributions to the field.

.
IFBA and MMUST gratefully acknowledge the funding support provided by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada, as well as the many partners who contribute expertise and support to the BSc Biosafety and Biosecurity program.