The adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya
has been a topic of discussion for many years. In 2006, the African Union
adopted a resolution stating that GMOs were not welcome on the continent.
However, in recent years, Kenya has lifted its ban on GMOs to address food
shortages and reshape its agricultural sector. Here is a detailed look at the
state of GMO adoption in Kenya:
Background
Kenya enacted the Biosafety Act in 2009 and established the
National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in 2010. Since its establishment, NBA has
reviewed over 28 contained use applications, approved 14 confined field trials,
and reviewed two environmental release applications for Bt cotton and Bt maize.
Bt cotton has moved on, and national performance trials are expected to
commence soon. Bt maize still has some issues to resolve.
Lifting of the Ban
The long-standing ban on GMOs in Kenya was lifted in October
2022, marking a historic moment in the country's agri-biotech development. The
Kenyan Government, through a Cabinet decision, lifted the ban to allow
efficient adoption of approved biotech crops and importation of GM foods. By
lifting the ban, the Cabinet has further authorized open cultivation and
importation of white GMO maize. The Government acted “in fidelity with the
guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority on all applicable international
treaties including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)” to vacate its
earlier decision on November 8, 2012, "prohibiting the open cultivation of
genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds
produced through biotechnology innovations".
Impact on Food Security
Kenya's decision to approve GMOs is expected to have a
significant impact on the region. The adoption of GMOs in Kenya will encourage
other countries to do the same. In Ethiopia, the government is already
supporting the use of biotechnology. Countries that are still opposing it
should just adopt it and prepare the necessary legal framework. Otherwise, they
will not manage to stop the introduction of GMO seeds and products from
neighboring countries such as Kenya through illegal means. The Kenyan
government has also identified drought-resistant crops as one of the measures
to enable the country to adapt to climate change.
Legal Framework
Although there is currently no data available, the adoption of
GM crops in Kenya could eventually lead to a decrease in the importation of
maize. The legal aspect of the current use of genetically modified organisms in
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is still evolving. The Biosafety Act of 2009
provides the legal framework for the regulation of GMOs in Kenya. NBA is
responsible for the regulation of GMOs in Kenya.
Conclusion
The adoption of GMOs in Kenya has been a topic of discussion
for many years. The lifting of the ban on GMOs in Kenya is a significant
development that is expected to have a significant impact on the region. The
Kenyan government has identified drought-resistant crops as one of the measures
to enable the country to adapt to climate change. The legal framework for the
regulation of GMOs in Kenya is provided by the Biosafety Act of 2009, and NBA
is responsible for the regulation of GMOs in Kenya.