Nairobi: The Government has moved to allay public concerns over the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) amid widespread misinformation surrounding the technology.
According to Kenya News Agency, National Biosafety Authority (NBA) Legal Officer Moses Sande assured Kenyans that the Authority has put in place stringent measures to guarantee the safety and security of GMO technology. He emphasized that no individual or institution would be allowed to introduce GMOs into the country without undergoing rigorous assessment and approval by relevant regulatory agencies.
Mr. Sande noted that cotton remains the only genetically modified crop currently approved for commercial cultivation in Kenya, adding that farming of the crop is already taking place in 30 arid and semi-arid counties. He said scientists from the NBA and other government agencies are focusing on the development of drought-tolerant crops to enhance food security. Plans are underway to commence trials of genetically modified maize and Irish potatoes so as to boost local production and meet growing national demand.
Mr. Sande spoke in Isiolo Town during a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event held at the Isiolo School for the Deaf, where he represented National Biosafety Board Chief Executive Officer Anne Karimi. He disclosed that all GMO-related crops undergo extensive inspection, testing and verification before being approved for commercial release and consumer use. ‘The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) are among the key institutions collaborating with the National Biosafety Authority to ensure safety and security in service delivery,’ said Mr. Sande.
He further observed that several African countries have adopted GMO technology as part of efforts to address climate change and strengthen food security. He cited South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Sudan as examples of nations that have embraced the technology.
Speaking during the event, Assistant Director of Education Eric Bundi thanked the Authority for donating food supplies and financial support to the school. The donation comprised eight bags of beans, four bags of maize, 30 cartons of milk and 10 jerrycans of cooking oil. Mr. Bundi said the support had come at a time the region continues to deal with the effects of prolonged drought.
The school’s Principal, Godfrey Gikunda, appealed for continued support to enable the institution to expand its agricultural activities. He said the initiative would help supplement learners’ nutritional requirements while enhancing food security at the school.
GMO technology involves the use of biotechnology to modify the DNA of crops or livestock. Scientists transfer specific genes from one organism to another to introduce desirable traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, drought resilience and improved nutritional value.
