Critics say the ban on GMOs is sending a wrong signal about commitment to new technology. FILE
What you need to know:
Kenya banned import of GMOs following a recommendation of a taskforce that was constituted by former Public Health minister Beth Mugo.
The looming food crisis in East Africa has renewed the debate on genetically modified crops.
With the East Africa Community (EAC) countries, which play a key role in supplementing local stocks, expected to record low harvests and Zambia and Malawi having banned grain exports, Kenya might be forced to allow genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Kenya banned import of GMOs following a recommendation of a taskforce that was constituted by former Public Health minister Beth Mugo.
Millers have recommended that the ban should be lifted to allow importation of GMO maize in order for consumers to enjoy affordable prices.
“It is time the country considered importation of GMO maize to ensure stable flow of the commodity. If not so, we are staring at an imminent danger of a serious food shortage now that all the countries that we rely on for imports do not have enough stocks,” said Gerald Masila, the chief executive officer of the East Africa Grain Council.
Tegemeo Institute, a research firm, says the import ban on GMOs may lead to higher prices for imported cereals that have been produced using conventional methods, creating a negative impact on food security.
Agriculture Cabinet secretary Felix Koskei said at the moment he might not decide whether the ban should be lifted or not.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there, currently we are focusing on the efforts on the deficit that the country will register and looking at the available options to fill it,” says Mr Koskei.
This year, three parliamentary committees contested the ban on GMOs, terming it illegal.
The committees on health, agriculture and education science and technology said the ban that was announced in November last year was illegal.
The MPs said the ban was simply an executive order that was not enforceable in law as it was not published in the Kenya Gazette to make it legally binding.
Critics say the ban on GMOs is sending a wrong signal about commitment to new technology at a time when many countries are looking at innovative ways to boost food security.
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