GMOs in Kenya should be subject to reasoned discussion, not become a political football.
President Ruto recently said that the GMO ban would be lifted. This will allow cheaper GMO maize and soya bean to be imported to Kenya, a move supported by Kenyan feed manufacturers. It will also allow drought-resistant varieties of cotton and other crops to be grown across Kenya.
However the opposition has issued dire warnings that GMOs will poison Kenyans who will then give birth to children with 15 fingers although genetically modified plants for maize, soy and sugar are already common around the world.
Humans have been selectively breeding crops for thousands of years. The difference with GMOs is that this selective breeding is done within the laboratory at accelerated speed.
Kenya banned GMOs ten years ago although successful trials for GMO cotton have recently taken place in Kenya. We should not replace a ban with a blanket instruction.
Let GMOs be allowed in Kenya because that will reduce food import prices and help battle drought. But Kenyans should not be forced to use GMO seeds provided by Monsanto or Kalro unless they wish to – it should be their choice.
Quote of the day: "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money."
Margaret Thatcher
The English Prime Minister was born on October 13, 1925
