EDITORIAL: Give farmers more details on GMO potato

Late blight is a ruthless enemy of potato farmers. It can wipe out an entire crop within days, leaving families in debt and communities without food.

Fungicides offer some protection, but at a heavy cost to farmers’ pockets and the environment. The idea of a potato that resists this disease is, therefore, very appealing.

Kenyan scientists have made progress in developing a genetically modified potato that could withstand late blight. If approved, it may reduce the need for expensive chemicals, improve yields and boost incomes. For farmers who struggle year after year, this sounds like welcome relief.

Yet we must move with care. GMO crops are not just about science — they touch on markets, traditions and people’s trust in their food.

The introduction of a GMO potato mustn't come at the expense of other varieties. Farmers and consumers alike should continue to have access to non-GMO seeds. Preserving diversity is as important as embracing innovation.

Public participation is ongoing, and this is not a box-ticking exercise. People must be heard. Regulators should ensure rigorous safety checks and transparency at every step.

Kenya needs solutions to secure food and protect farmers. The GMO potato may be one of them. But the country should adopt it carefully, ensuring farmers’ choice, environmental protection and continued support for conventional breeding. That balance will serve farmers best in the long run.

Quote of the Day: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love” — Albanian-Indian Catholic nun, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and Catholic saint Mother Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910