There has been controversy over Genetically Modified Organisms since October when President William Ruto lifted a ban imposed in 2012.
Now Kenya can import cheaper maize grown from GMO seed from South Africa and the US. That will reduce the price of unga in the shops.
There have been scare stories about GMOs but consumers have not been dying from them in the US and South Africa.
The truth is that all crops have been genetically modified over the years as they evolved, often from grass seed as in the case of wheat. The difference with GMOs is that the process is accelerated through modern technology.
Tests on GMO cotton have been successfully carried out in western Kenya. These seeds are drought-resistant and pose no threat to human health.
But there must be provisos on GMO crops used in Kenya.
Firstly, the National Biosafety Authority should approve in advance any GMO seed proposed for Kenya agriculture.
Secondly, there must be a free market. Farmers should be free to choose between traditional seed, seed from the Kenya Seed Company, and seed from multinationals like Monsanto.
There must be no monopoly on seed. Let farmers make up their own minds on GMOs.
Quote of the day: "Allah did not create man so that he could have fun."
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
He became the first Supreme Leader of Iran on December 3, 1979
