• It was done after a contentious study in France that linked them to cancer.
•Just like the name suggests, genetically modified organisms are crops that have been altered using genetic engineering.
Image: FILE
Kenya announced the lifting of the ban on genetically modified crops on Monday.
GMOs were banned in November 2012 during former President Mwai Kibaki's tenure.
The move followed a contentious study in France that linked them to cancer.
The study was later on discredited and removed from the publishing journal.
However, Kenya remained reluctant in opening doors for GMO use in the country.
While lifting the ban, President William Ruto the decision was in accordance with the recommendation of the Task Force formed to Review matters relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety.
He announced the decision after a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi on October 3.
“Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of November 8, 2012, prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations; Effectively lifting the ban on Genetically Modified Crops," a memo by the president about the cabinet meeting read in part.
"By dint of the executive action, open cultivation and importation of White (GMO) Maize are now authorized.”
Just like the name suggests, genetically modified organisms are crops that have been altered using genetic engineering.
This is done to produce high-yielding disease and drought-resistant crops.
One of the reasons the GMOs were banned was that the French study claimed that the rats used to test the GMOs had traces of cancer in them.
The study further stated that biochemical engineering would bring about health hazards to humans as well.
Also cited was that the growth would increase pesticide use compared to conventional crops. According to the study, this would increase environmental hazards.
Another reason they were banned is that the biotech firms have a terrible history of toxic contamination and public deception.
They basically could not be trusted.
However, in December 2019, Kenya approved the cultivation of GMO cotton after five years of field trials. The commercialisation of the same began in March 2022.
Following the lift of the ban, Kenya now joins the list of African countries that cultivate GMO crops which include Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia and Malawi.
Most African countries, however, remain opposed to GMO product use.