GMOs: A new dawn for East Africa?
Kenya is not backing down its stance on the recent policy shift in the lifting of a 10-year ban on GMO. The country is angling itself as the next economic corridor for the region as it boosts food security. CNBC Africa had an exclusive interview with a scientist to assess the economic rationale despite wide resentment.
Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:07:40 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Kenya's journey towards embracing GMOs dates back to the early 2000s when it became a state party to the Kaina Protocol on Biosafety, setting the groundwork for the regulatory and policy framework for GMO technology.
- The National Biosafety Authority has played a pivotal role in overseeing the safety and regulation of GMOs in Kenya, with a focus on human health, animal health, and environmental protection.
- The rationale behind lifting the ban on GMOs includes facilitating access to emergency food aid, tapping into business opportunities, and empowering local farmers with technology to enhance crop productivity and resilience.
Kenya has made a bold move by lifting a 10-year ban on GMOs, positioning itself as the next economic corridor for the region and aiming to bolster food security. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, a prominent scientist shed light on the economic rationale behind GMOs, despite the widespread resentment towards this technology. The country's journey towards embracing genetically modified organisms dates back to the early 2000s when it became a state party to the Kaina Protocol on Biosafety, stemming from the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. This marked the beginning of laying the foundation for the regulatory and policy framework required for engaging in modern biotechnology or genetic engineering. The National Biosafety Authority was established in 2010, with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of human health, animal health, and the environment in the development, transit, transfer, and use of GMOs. Over the years, Kenya has progressively addressed five key areas of capacity building, leading to the recent decision by the cabinet to lift the GMO ban. The country has outlined a clear step-by-step process for importing GM commodities through a single window platform, streamlining safety assessments for these products. Despite concerns about the safety of GM foods, the National Biosafety Authority is committed to rigorous safety evaluations based on available information and expert input. The recent import of maize into Kenya was confirmed to be non-GMO, underscoring the authority's stringent safety measures. The rationale behind lifting the ban on GMOs is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to provide access to emergency food aid and support neighboring countries in addressing food insecurity. By allowing the importation of GM foods for humanitarian purposes, Kenya can play a pivotal role in regional food security. Additionally, lifting the ban opens doors for business opportunities and positions Kenya as a key trading hub for GM products in the region. Furthermore, embracing GMO technology can benefit local farmers by enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Field tests have shown promising results in developing crops that can resist pests and thrive under challenging conditions. The government's decision reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging technology to revitalize the agricultural sector and meet the growing demand for food. Kenya's progressive approach towards GMOs signals a new era for East Africa's food security landscape, paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation in agriculture.