Authority tightens controls to prevent GM maize imports
The National Biosafety Authority will enhance surveillance to ensure the grain does not filter through as government contemplates an import-duty waiver on maize. FILE
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is tightening controls at ports of entry as it seeks to lock out genetically modified (GM) maize.
NBA said it will enhance surveillance to ensure the grain does not filter through as the government contemplates an import duty waiver on maize to ease shortfall following poor rains.
In an interview with the Business Daily, NBA chief executive Willy Tonui said the authority was well prepared to implement the surveillance programme at the Mombasa port, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Busia and Namanga border points.
“From the surveillance conducted even in supermarkets and open markets so far we have not detected illegal GM maize in circulation. If the government waives the duty without lifting the ban, the situation remains the same as we will not approve any GM imports,” he said.
The ministry of Agriculture had earlier announced the country was facing a shortage of around seven million bags. The maize in the strategic grain reserves currently being distributed to 24 counties vulnerable to drought is not expected to last through the next harvest.
In mid-February, James Nyoro, the special adviser on agriculture to the president, had alluded to the possibility of removing the 50 per cent duty imposed on maize imports.
Importers pay this in addition to 1.5 per cent Railway Development Levy for every consignment.
A waiver could trigger an influx of maize imports from outside the East African Community, whose maize is normally duty free.
At the moment, Malawi and Zambia — which are Kenya’s key suppliers of white maize — are facing shortages with Zambia placing a ban on exports. Importers will have to look for other nontraditional sources, raising fears of illegal GM importation.
The NBA conducts random sampling and testing of imports. If a consignment is suspected to contain GMO or is voluntarily submitted, the importer is charged Sh10,000 for analysis.
Dr Tonui said the authority had adequate human and infrastructure capacity to monitor imported foods and detect GMO.
He said they would bring to book manufacturers of processed foods found to contain more than one per cent GM material without labeling.
“Our biosafety inspectors are at all major entry points of the country conducting surveillance and sampling consignments entering the country to ensure that there is no illegal importation of GM material.
“We are also collaborating with other regulatory agencies to ensure that informal traders do not cross over with illegal product. Anyone with information on the existence of such material should contact the authority for necessary action to be taken,” he said.
Kenya has resisted pressure to open the economy to GMOs despite argument they have helped boost food security in many countries.
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