• A statement by President William Ruto said the move was after considering many factors, including various expert and technical reports on the adoption of biotechnology.
• The government said that this would be a quick way to deal with the ravaging drought in some parts of the country, which has affected at least 23 counties.
On Monday, the government of Kenya opened the gates for the importation and use of Genetically Modified Crops, popularly known as GMOs.
A statement by President William Ruto said the move was after considering many factors, including various expert and technical reports on the adoption of biotechnology.
The reports included Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United States of America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
“Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of 8th November 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. By dint of the executive action open cultivation and importation of White (GMO) Maize is now authorized,” said the statement.
The government said that this would be a quick way to deal with the ravaging drought in some parts of the country, which has affected at least 23 counties.
What does lifting the ban on GMO products mean for Kenya?
Kenyan farmers will now be able to plant genetically engineered crops and animal feeds. This is expected to increase food and animal feed production in the country.
GMO products will also be readily available in the Kenyan market despite the current confusion around them.
The ban had restricted the importation and sales of products from US companies, which will now be possible. The US is the biggest producer of genetically modified products.
Shipping of GMO products in the form of food aid to other African countries which was also prohibited from transportation through Kenya will be allowed.
The communication has, however, been received with mixed signals, with many opinion shapers giving varied remarks on the same.
Ahmed Kalebi, founder and retired CEO of Lancet Group of Labs in a tweet said the ban was not necessary, to begin with. He argued that research has shown that GMOs is safe and it is needed in the country.
“The lifting of the GMO ban was long overdue. The ban itself was not necessary or relevant, particularly considering that GMO has been shown to be a safe and beneficial scientific advancement that is quite applicable in our part of the world where it’s needed the most in agriculture,” he said.
Former Education Principal Secretary James Ole Kiyiapi on his part questioned why no explanation had been given for the sudden lifting of the ban.
“Kenya banned GMOs about 10 years ago, then we were told they are not good for our health and agro-diversity. Suddenly, without a clear rationale, an exiting cabinet lifts the ban. No justification, no laying of the ground. Nothing. Just like that. What is/was the hurry?”
Just like many other African countries, Kenya has been reluctant to approve the import or planting of genetically modified food crops since November 2012, amidst an ongoing debate on the safety of GMO crops, which are believed to have advantages such as resistance to drought, pests and higher yields.
Genetically modified crops have generally raised concerns about potentially harmful effects on smallholder farms, existing crops, the environment and people’s long-term health.