This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Kenya's pursuit of food security has been hindered by a seven-year-old ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) imposed by the cabinet in 2012.
According to the Agriculture ministry, cyclic long dry spells and pest infestation have wiped out at least 25% of the country's maize production capacity of 52 million bags, leading to frequent food shortages.
Scientists, however, are backing genetically modified maize as a solution to these challenges. Dr. James Karanja, under whose stewardship the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization's (KALRO) site in Kiboko, Makueni County has been conducting tests, has been developing hybrid maize varieties with transgenic genes.
Despite the potential benefits of GMOs, tight regulations have limited their commercialization in Kenya. As a result, experts have been forced to share critical data on GMOs with other countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Published on September 20, 2019, this article highlights the need for Kenya to reconsider its stance on GMOs to achieve food security.
