Kenya will soon be hosting the first International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC) in Africa following handing over of the centre construction site at Egerton University to the Project Implementation contractor.

The multi-million facility will include research laboratories equipped for genetic engineering and biotechnology, specialized spaces for molecular plant pathology, crop breeding and genetic bio-fortification studies.

Speaking during the handover conducted by the Project Contract Implementation Team (PCIT), Egerton University's Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Extension Professor Bernard Aduda said they will ensure biosafety level 2 (BSL2) certification of the facility as it guarantees compliance with global biosafety protocols, enabling researchers to conduct advanced studies safely and securely.

In 2016 Kenya was selected by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Board of Governors to host its first Regional Research Centre (RRC) in Africa, to complement the one in China.