NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct, 3 – The government has rescinded a 2012 order that prohibited the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds proceeded through biotechnology innovations.
An executive action from State House revealed that the decision was agreed upon by the cabinet and authorized by president William Ruto on Monday 3,2022.
The move vacates the decision made on November 8, 2012, prohibiting the same by the previous administration.
“Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of 8th November 2012 prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations; effectively lifting the ban on Genetically Modified Crops. By dint of the executive action open cultivation and importation of White (GMO) Maize is now authorized,” read a section of the Executive Action.
The Task Force mandated to review Matters Relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety, and in fidelity with the guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority on all applicable international treaties including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) provided the recommendations to lift the ban.
Today’s decision was part of a progress report meeting in response to the ongoing drought situation in Kenya that has affected 23 counties. The cabinet also reviewed and appraised the ongoing humanitarian support and relief food being provided to the families in the medium and long term strategies being developed to address our food security status.
“Cabinet considered a broad array of proposals touching on climate change adaptation, reducing Kenya’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture by increasing irrigation, planting of diverse and drought resistant crops, and the implementation of early warning and response mechanisms that are activated at the very start of adverse situations rather than when the situations have escalated into disaster conditions,”
The drought being witnessed in the country and in large, effects of global climate change phenomenons, are said to be the worst in the Eastern Africa Region for at least 40 years.
Kenya has recorded devastating effects, with thousands migrating in search of water and pasture for their livestock.
The government is expected to issue a comprehensive report and plan as to how the decision will now be implemented with cabinet saying that they reviewed various expert and technical reports on adoption of biotechnology; including reports of the Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA), World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United States of America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in making the decision.
It is unclear how Kenyans will receive the news with a section of the populous in the past opposing the move citing health and safety concerns.
Globally, the country’s trading partners such as the United States slammed Kenya for failing to approve imported GM foods and crops saying that it respected its exports.
The USA is the biggest producer of GMO Crops.
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