Nairobi: The Government has reiterated its commitment to the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) through a robust biosafety regulatory and institutional framework and proven scientific research on various products. The assurance comes after numerous court cases halted the government from commercial rollout and adoption of various GMO products locally.
According to Kenya News Agency, despite the Cabinet lifting the decade-old ban in October 2022 for the cultivation and importation of genetically modified crops and animal feeds, new court cases have since delayed its implementation. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe emphasized that the government's decision to lift the ban was supported by findings from various studies, which determined that Kenya has robust policy, legal, and regulatory institutional structures to ensure responsible and safe applications of modern biotechnologies.
Kagwe stated that the new litigations are intended to delay the adoption of modern biotechnologies by communities seeking to address challenges such as pests, drought, weeds, and diseases. The cabinet's decision aimed to address food security challenges exacerbated by prolonged droughts and enhance agricultural productivity through biotechnology.
The CS dismissed the latest safety concerns underlying the court cases, highlighting the government's establishment of a robust biosafety regulatory and institutional framework through the National Biotechnology Development Policy, and the Biosafety Act and Regulations. Kagwe lamented that the government's efforts to facilitate the adoption of new technologies and innovations to transform low agricultural productivity are being hampered by ongoing litigations.
Kagwe assured that the government will continue to support the supervision and control over the transfer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure the safety of human and animal health, as well as the provision of an adequate level of environmental protection. The government intends to adopt modern biotechnology to boost productivity across value chains and build resilience to the effects of climate change.
These remarks were part of a speech read by Rashid Khator, the Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture, during the opening of the 13th Annual Biosafety Conference to review strides in building trust in the safety of GMOs. Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario, the chair of the Biosafety Board, noted that despite the development of local GMOs, the lifting of the ban has resulted in several litigations against the Authority, hindering full implementation.
The Authority has approved several GMO crops, such as commercialized BT cotton, BT maize, and virus-resistant cassava, which are currently undergoing national trials. Director Hussein Mohammed, representing the chair, stated that they have also approved GMOs like virus-resistant sweet potato in Kakamega, bio-fortified cassava at Alupe in Busia County, and late blight-resistant Irish potato at Molo in Nakuru County, among others.
The Authority Acting CEO, Nehemiah Ng'etich, announced the establishment of a GMO testing laboratory to spearhead necessary research before countrywide rollout. Ng'etich highlighted widespread misinformation regarding GMO adoption, emphasizing the need for awareness to alleviate safety concerns.
Prof. Douglas Miano from the University of Nairobi expressed that the ongoing court ban on GMOs has created uncertainty in the field after decades of research. He noted Kenya's lag in GMO commercialization due to lengthy court injunctions and negative public perception, despite rapid sector development to address diverse challenges.
Prof. Miano called for increased awareness among Kenyans to address fears about product safety, pointing out that farmers stand to benefit significantly once the ban is lifted. He acknowledged local scientists' capacity in GMO development, supported by a robust regulatory framework.