This archive report was first published on 23 September 2021.
Published on September 23, 2021.
Kenya's government has rejected a request from millers to import duty-free GMO yellow maize and soya to ease the current deficit in animal feeds.
The Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers had petitioned the government last month to allow the importation of GMO yellow maize and soya to address the high prices of animal feeds.
However, Livestock Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai stated that the decision to import GMO products can only be made by a committee reviewing the country's food situation, and that the ban on GMO products remains in place.
Mr. Kimtai emphasized that the committee will consider all safety measures before making a decision on whether to allow the importation of GMO yellow maize.
"There is still a ban in place... and until that is addressed, then it is impossible to allow the shipping at the moment," said Mr. Kimtai.
The ban on GMO products in Kenya was implemented in 2012 by then Health Cabinet Minister Beth Mugo and has remained in place despite requests from scientists to lift it after a journal that formed the basis of the ban was retracted.
