Gates Foundation Breaks Silence on Operating Labs in Nairobi and Releasing Mosquitoes

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has dismissed false claims circulating on social media that it is releasing mosquitoes in Kenya or operating laboratories in Nairobi to conduct such activities.

In a statement addressing the allegations, the foundation said it does not release mosquitoes, operate labs that do so, or run vector-control activities in Nairobi or anywhere else.

“The Gates Foundation does not release mosquitoes, operate laboratories that do so, or run vector-control activities in Nairobi or anywhere else,” the statement reads.

The foundation stated that malaria prevention and control efforts in Kenya are led by Kenyan authorities and institutions, in accordance with national laws and regulatory oversight.

“In Kenya, malaria prevention and control efforts are led by Kenyan authorities and institutions. The foundation supports Kenyan-led priorities transparently and responsibly,” it added.

Understanding Gene Drive Technology

Part of the confusion online appears to stem from discussions about gene drive technology -a scientific approach being explored globally to combat malaria.

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Gene drive is a form of genetically based vector control (GBVC) that modifies malaria-carrying mosquitoes so they either cannot transmit the disease or their populations reduce over time. These genetic changes are designed to be passed on to future generations, potentially offering a long-term impact.

Importantly, the technology targets only malaria-carrying species, leaving other mosquito species unaffected.

The foundation notes that not all genetically modified mosquitoes use gene drive.

Some approaches involve engineering male mosquitoes with “self-limiting” genes that prevent their offspring from surviving into adulthood.

Unlike gene drive, these traits do not persist in the environment and require repeated releases.

Research into such technologies is conducted by scientists and global partners in countries heavily burdened by malaria, under strict regulatory and safety oversight.

Approval decisions are made by national regulatory bodies in line with both national laws and international guidelines.

Why Support Gene Drive Research?

The foundation says its support for gene drive research is driven by the urgent need to eliminate malaria, which kills nearly 600,000 people annually most of them African children.

While current tools such as bed nets, medicines, and vaccines have made progress, challenges like drug resistance, insecticide resistance, and climate change threaten to reverse gains.

According to the foundation, gene drive could offer long-lasting, self-sustaining protection, particularly in remote and underserved communities where consistent access to healthcare tools is difficult.

However, it stresses that gene drive is not a standalone solution.

It is being developed alongside other interventions, including next-generation bed nets, spatial repellents, vaccines, long-acting chemoprevention, and improved disease monitoring systems.

Community Involvement and Ethical Oversight

Addressing concerns about public participation, the foundation says local communities must be central to decision-making around any new public health intervention.

It works with African institutions to ensure continuous community engagement, including culturally appropriate communication materials in local languages, visual aids, radio programs, and even theatre performances explaining project phases.

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The engagement process, the foundation says, is ongoing and not a one-time approval.

On ethical concerns, the foundation states that gene drive research has proceeded cautiously for over a decade under strict governance frameworks.

Global bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union support continued research under clear ethical and safety guidelines.

Safeguards include phased development beginning in high-containment laboratories before moving to controlled field releases, with each stage requiring permits and approvals from national regulatory authorities in line with international standards.

As misinformation continues to circulate online, the Gates Foundation maintains that it does not operate mosquito-release programs in Kenya and that all malaria-related research is conducted under Kenyan leadership and regulatory oversight.

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