Wanjiku deserves right to information on GMOs
This week, the Cabinet lifted a 10-year ban on genetically modified (GM) crops, as the country struggles with food insecurity and a deadly drought. In a Cabinet memo, the government said the ban was vacated following recommendations of a taskforce formed to review matters relating to GM foods and food safety.
Kenya now joins a small but growing number of countries planting biotech crops, from three in 2016 to more than 10 in 2022, according to the International Service for Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications. South Africa, Sudan, Egypt and Burkina Faso lead Africa on this.
But it is still imperative to raise public awareness on the technology. A starting point would be to assess other countries around the globe on how they have benefited or not from it. For instance, most GM crops-producing countries have registered improved agricultural productivity, food security and quality of life. Higher income to resource-poor farmers has also been a key benefit.
Given the ongoing debate, thorough scientific investigation into the safe application of GMOs should continue, and should be accomplished through an all-inclusive process.
The government should accord Kenyans the right to information on the issue, and instill confidence in those who still have cold feet about these crops, such as how public health could benefit from biotechnology through an increase in the nutrient content of foods, decreased allergenicity and more efficient food production.
The government should also promise transparency in all its agencies’ decisions, agreements, commitments and actions on GMOs, and continue examining the potential negative effects of these crops on human health. Modern technologies must be thoroughly evaluated to constitute a true improvement in food production.
Further, all activities, such as research and development, import/export, production and consumption of GMOs should be regulated. The law should establish minimum standards of safety and socio-economic sustainability of GMOs. Kenya can borrow a leaf from countries like South Africa, which is already cultivating GM crops.
South Africa has established the operational procedures and infrastructure for regulation of GMOs — from offices of a registrar to inspectors, an advisory committee and an executive council.
The Registrar, for example is responsible for administrating the GMOs Act, Inspectors are responsible for ensuring permit conditions are adhered to, the Advisory Committee is a panel of independent scientists that evaluates all applications and the Executive Council is the decision-making body and consists of members representing different State agencies.
