The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has announced the appointment of Nehemia Ngetich as the acting CEO.
This follows the suspension of Roy Mugiira from the position.
Mugiira has been suspended for a period of three months in what the board said is to allow for the conclusion of a “disciplinary process” against him.
In a letter dated July 5 seen by the Star, Mugiira is set to face the disciplinary committee over alleged financial impropriety at the Authority.
“The Board determined that you are culpable on some of the offences for which it has resolved that you be formally charged and made to appear before a Disciplinary Committee of the Board,” the letter from Jenesio Kinyamario, the board chair reads.
“The formal charges and the date to appear before the disciplinary committee will be communicated to you in due course,” it states.
The action taken by the board to suspend him, according to Kinyamario, is to protect and preserve the integrity of the disciplinary process against him.
“The Board has noted that you have and continue to actively interfere with the Board composition in order to frustrate the disciplinary process against you,” the letter further states.
He will, however, be expected to participate in the Board evaluation exercise in respect of the last financial year 2023/2024.
The letter has been copied to Education cabinet secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Head of public service Felix Koskei, Principal Secretaries Beatrice Inyangala (Higher education), Paul Ronoh (Agriculture) and State Corporations Advisory Committee CEO Simeon Indimuli.
Ngetich is the current Director Biosafety Research and Compliance having joined the authority in 2012 as a Biosafety Inspector before rising through the ranks.
His appointment was communicated through a letter dated July 5 after the 48th special board meeting.
“...You are hereby appointed the acting CEO until the disciplinary case against Roy B. Mugiira, who is on suspension is heard and determined,” the letter reads.
NBA was established by the Biosafety Act No. 2 of 2009 to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Its objective and purpose is to regulate research and commercial activities involving GMOs with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of an adequate level of protection of the environment.
